The Conflicts in Macbeth
In literature, a struggle between two opposing forces is called a conflict. Conflicts in literature move the plot along and keep the audience interested. Conflict is used by Shakespeare in almost all of his plays. He uses multiple conflicts leading to the major conflict in his plays. Conflict is introduced in the rising action, faced head on in the climax, starts to work itself out in the falling action and then is resolved in the resolution. In William Shakespeare's play, Macbeth, the various types of conflicts impact the plot internally, externally and through the supernatural, proving this play is a tragedy.
Many external conflicts occur throughout the play with various characters. The first conflict is with Macbeth against King Duncan. He wants to kill the King, so he himself can be King. When Macbeth talks about the murder, he is about to commit, he says, "If it were done, when 'tis done, then 'twere well/ It were done quickly; If th' assassination" (I, vii, 1-2).
Lady Macbeth by George Cattermole.
English: Poster of Thos. W. Keene in William Shake...
The sleepwalking Lady MacbethMacbeth wants to kill Duncan quickly and get it over with, because the only reason for the conflict is that Duncan is the King and Macbeth wants to become King. Macbeth also feels the need to kill Banquo to get rid of competition. Macbeth fears Banquo's children will take the throne, "to that dauntless temper of his mind,/ He hath wisdom that doth guide his valour/ To act in safety. There is none but he/ Whose being do I fear" (III, i, 52-54). Macbeth expresses his fear of Banquo and Banquo's courage and spirit.
There is also conflict between Lady Macbeth and Macbeth. She pushes Macbeth to kill the King and questions his manhood to do so. "When you durst do it, then you were a man" (I, vii,49). She...