Internal Conflict In Macbeth Essay

Shakespeare's tragedy, Macbeth, analyzes the tragic downfall of a man who pursued his prophecy given to him by three witches, and suffered the downfall because of it. Told his power was inevitable, Macbeth explores the idea of murdering the King to achieve his goal of becoming King himself. Macbeth continually faces this, contemplating the moral issue of committing murder to in turn, fulfill his powerful destiny. While facing this internal conflict, Lady Macbeth developes an influence over Macbeth as well. Driven by her own desire to be Queen, Lady Macbeth persuades Macbeth to commit the murder, by challenging his manhood and often reminding him that it is, in fact, his destiny. We see the two counter each other’s claims throughout this as

1-28. Here, we see Macbeth struggle internally, as he must decide if he will put his morals aside and kill King Duncan for the power of being king himself. Initially, Macbeth starts planning the murder and creating detailed solutions to problems that may arise during it. We see this when he says, “If it were done when ‘tis done, then ‘twere well, It were done quickly.” (Act I Scene VII, ll.1-2.) This is where the planning of the murder truly develops. Macbeth continues with his internal conflict, but comes to the realization, and debatable conclusion that the murder is morally wrong. He makes reference to angels in Heaven saying, “And pity, like a naked new-born babe, Striding the blast, or heaven’s cherubim, horsed, Upon the slightest couriers of the air, Shall blow the horrid deed in every eye, That tears shall drown the wind.” (Act I Scene VII, ll. 21-25.) Here we see Macbeth discussing what would happen if he committed murder, and if he would be exposed. His use of allegory paired with the imagery of tears in the wind bring a successful conclusion that he will not commit the murder. A shift, however, is seen when Lady Macbeth enters, and allows for her opinions to be stated