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Internal Conflict
Character vs Self
Character versus self, is when a character has to overcome their own nature to reach a goal. They struggle with their own mind, insecurities and sense of self.
External Conflict
Lady Macbeth is a deeply ambitious woman who fights for power and position. Earlier in the play, she encourages her husband to murder King Duncan, and is very involved in the planning of the murder. Lady Macbeth eventually falls victim to guilt and goes mad. She suffers from insomnia, as she ponders about how King Duncan's blood has stained her (quotations 1 and 2). Her guilt consumes her, leading her to commit suicide.
The blood on the hands of Lady Macbeth represents her guilt and it will not disappear;
Macbeth holds within him much guilt throughout the play. His shame begins from the small thought of killing King Duncan (quotation #1). He eventually is tempted into murdering him and after the deed is done, his guilt never seems to dissipate (quotation #2). Macbeth and Lady Macbeth both deal with this inner turmoil throughout the play, but both handle it differently. He does not let his shame consume him, as he embarks on further atrocities with increasing ease in order to keep the throne.
Banquo reminds Macbeth that he may become the next king. Macbeth has a disturbed thought about murdering the current king;
After Macbeth kills King Duncan, he expresses that the king's blood on his hands will never wash away;
Character versus nature is when natural forces are causing problems for a person. For example, weather or fate. The theme of survival is often present.
Macbeth considers having fate decide if he should be the new king;
Macbeth is disappointed that the witches named Banquo the father to a line of kings and elects to challenge fate;
Macbeth is given many prophesies which should determine his destiny. First, Macbeth learns that he will supposedly become the next king. At first, Macbeth agrees that he will just let fate "make it happen" and stays out of the process (quotation 1). Eventually Macbeth dismisses this, and kills the king himself to make sure he gains the title. Next, if Macbeth hears a prophecy that is not in his favor, he does everything he can to go against fate. According to the weird sisters, Banquo is the father to a line of kings, but Macbeth does not like this idea, and decides to go against his destiny, by killing Banquo (quotation 2). Lastly, the sisters tell Macbeth that "for none of woman born/Shall harm Macbeth" (4.1.80-81). This should have made Macbeth unafraid of Macduff, but he still challenges the prophecy and chooses to kill Macduff himself (quotation 3). This reveals that Macbeth generally does not believe in destiny and fate.
Macbeth decides that even though the prophesies declare he has no reason to fear Macduff, he still chooses to make doubly sure and mediates Macduff's death.
External Conflict
Character versus society occurs when a character is in opposition to the laws, beliefs, and societal traditions of groups. The character is often going against their own society.
External Conflict
Character versus character is the most fundamental type of external conflict. It occurs when a character struggles against another character, or group of characters. This conflict often plays a large role in the plot and development of the characters.
Malcolm and Macduff assert that they are dissatisfied with the political situation in Scotland. (quotations 1 and 2) They believe that Macbeth does not possess kingship qualities. Macduff eventually becomes a leader of the crusade to unseat Macbeth. The crusade's mission is to place the rightful king, Malcolm, on the throne. (quotation 3).
Scotland was ruled by a monarchy in this time period, thus all of the citizens must be loyal to the king. Macbeth is the Thane of Glamis and a brave solider trusted by King Duncan. Macbeth was very loyal and protective towards the king, as he was expected to be (quotation #1). Macbeth eventually became tempted into murder to fulfill his dreams of being king. He debates with himself about the proposition of either killing King Duncan, or remaining loyal to the monarchy (quotation #2). Eventually, Macbeth makes the decision to go against the rules of monarchy and murder King Duncan.
Both Macduff and Malcolm and distressed about the falling political situation in Scotland;
Malcolm declares that their rebellion should prepare for battle against the tyrannical king;
King Duncan thanks Macbeth for being his worthiest kinsman, and Macbeth responds with a statement expressing his loyalty;
Macbeth conveys his loyalty to the king, and contemplates taking the throne;
Hecate is the goddess of witchcraft. When she finds out that the witches gave Macbeth prophesies without her knowledge, she becomes aggravated. She despises that her witches would help such a selfish man. She lectures and threatens the witches. She tells them that they do not have the right to defy her orders, and helps the three witches work their mischief on Macbeth.
Conflict arises between Macbeth and Macduff after King Duncan's death. Macduff becomes suspicious of Macbeth's motives, and returns to Fife instead of attending Macbeth's coronation. Macbeth becomes angry and is threatened by Macduff (quotation 1). Over time, this leads to Macbeth's decision to attack Macduff's castle and kill his family (quotation 2). Macduff learns that all of his children, and his beloved wife have been murdered. He decides it is finally time to fight Macbeth (quotation 3). Macduff then kills Macbeth and Malcolm takes the throne.
Hecate is angry with the three witches, and expresses how disobedient they are;
The main conflict between Macbeth and his wife, Lady Macbeth, occurs because she is convinced that her husband is cowardly. The conflict arises when she worries that he is too kind to kill King Duncan (quotation#1). Lady Macbeth is deeply ambitious, and wants power and the position of queen desperately. The rivalry between the couple, continues when Macbeth decides he can not betray the King. Lady Macbeth refuses to accept it. She questions his manhood (quotations 2 and 3), which is her tactic to convince him to murder. After Macbeth is manipulated and gives in, the conflict still continues. Lady Macbeth continues to argue with her husband, calling him too effeminate and cowardly to put blood on the servants, and frame them for the murder. (Quotations 3, 4 and 5)
Macduff hears horrible news about his wife, and children dying. He decides that he must get face to face with Macbeth and fight him;
After Macbeth learns that Macduff has fled to England, he decides he must immediately raid Macduff's castle;
Macbeth's initial anger towards Macduff is clear when he asks his wife, why Macduff did not attend his coronation;
After Macbeth refuses to put blood on the servants, she expresses that he is once again, being a coward;
When Macbeth expresses that it is not proper for a man to assassinate the king, she begins to question his masculinity;
Lady Macbeth is afraid her husband is too spineless, to take the throne from King Duncan;