Conflict assessment English: Practise write-up.

Conflict is presented in Act 1 as MacBeth is tormented by his ambition and

experiences an inner conflict between seizing the throne of remaining loyal to
his king. This is shown in Act 1 Scene 3 as MacBeth says “If chance may have
me king, why, chance may have me withstand stir.’ He is fighting an inner
conflict after he hears the witches prophecies, he wonders if he needs to take
any action to fulfil their prophecy. MacBeth hopes in this line that ‘chance’ will
do what is necessary to make him king( killing Duncan). Conflict is also shown
in Act 1 Scene 7 as MacBeth fights with Lady MacBeth on whether to kill
Duncan. This is shown as he says “ we will proceed not further in this business”
showing he is refusing to kill Duncan and justifies it as he says the word “no.”
At this point, MacBeth is still loyal and heroic. Furthermore in this line, he
refers to the murder of King Duncan as a “ business”, a noun that shows this as
a part of a job, something by which he is being paid to do. This word “business”
also shows how MacBeth views killing as a job rather than a horrific event and
that there is no other reason to kill King Duncan than for a “business.”

Shakespeare presents MacBeth as delusional and continuing to fight his inner

conflict in Act 2. The inner conflict MacBeth is facing is shown in Act 2 Scene 2
as he says, “ Is this a dagger, which I see before me?” This quote uses soliloquy
as he speaks his thoughts aloud and shows his delusional mind as he imagines
a dagger before his eyes that is hovering in the air. This quote shows his
growing insanity for killing Duncan as the dagger represents his impending
murder. In addition to this, he is questioning the existence of the dagger as he
says “ Is, this,” representing his uncertainty. MacBeth’s illusion thenceforth
allows the audience to question his mental state and sense of clarity. MacBeth
is also seen to be having a conflict between the powers of evil as he says, ‘ But
wherefore could I not pronounce “Amen”? I had most need of blessing, and “
Amen” stuck in my throat.’ This quote uses figurative speech and show how he
has given himself to the powers of evil meaning he is unable to utter the word
“Amen.” This displays how his murder of Duncan has left him in the league of
the Devil and unable to speak holy words. This also displays the conflict he is
having between heaven or hell.

MacBeth continues to fight an inner conflict in Act 3 as his guilty conscience is

attacking and stinging him. This is shown when he says, “ Oh, full of scorpions
is my mind.” This is a metaphor to explain how he feels vulnerable like a
scorpion when attacked thenceforth leading him to kill Duncan. Furthermore,
this also shows his uncertainty and how he is unsure of who his friend is and
who is his foe(enemy). “Scorpions,” brings the idea that his mind is being
controlled and leads the audience to question his mental state as his mind is
not stable. “Full” suggests that there are many things on his mind and brings us
to the idea that the witches prophecy is continuing to haunt him. It also
suggests that the business that they began by killing Duncan is not yet
complete because there are still threats to the throne that must be eliminated.
This inner conflict continues as MacBeth sees Banquo’s ghost entering and
sitting at the table. This is shown when MacBeth says, “ Shake not thy glory
locks at me.” When MacBeth says this line, it causes dramatic tension as the
guests are confused. “ Glory locks” is a metaphor used to visualise Banquo’s
bloody body. He thinks about his old self which starts to put him in even more
guilt.

In conclusion, In Act 1-3 we can see MacBeth fights an inner conflict between
good and evil. It shows how MacBeth is changed by the witches prophecy and
goes from a noble and courageous warrior to a power- hungry man. MacBeth
then realises that this prophecy by the witches will require murder on his part.