Friday, November 25, 2011

What are some external conflicts in Macbeth?

Internal conflicts are man against himself, such as the sort Macbeth has when he is trying to reconcile his desire to be king with the murder Lady Macbeth has talked him into committing. He cannot make peace with himself. External conflicts are man against man or man against nature. In this play, they are man against man. 


The biggest ones are the wars being fought. In the beginning, Macbeth and Banquo together lead their exhausted troops to victory against the Norwegian invaders. Later, Malcolm amasses an army and attacks Macbeth's fortifications and men at Dunsinane Castle. 


There are more minor conflicts, as well. Lady Macbeth argues with Macbeth about what he must do to become king, eventually saying he isn't really a man if he refuses to murder Duncan. There is the attack of the murderers on Banquo and Fleance, as well, and Macbeth's attack on Macduff's wife and child. Finally, Macduff and Macbeth square off on the battlefield--the final external conflict that is resolved when Macduff brings Malcolm Macbeth's head. 

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