Pauline Sady
Monday 13th February 2012
Conflict used in Macbeth
Conflict is one of many recurrent themes in the play ‘Macbeth’. Conflict is to come into collision or disagreement; be contradictory, atvariance, or in opposition. The use of conflict in the play demonstrates the character’s clashing viewpoints and allows the readers to grasp their different traits. Shakespeare uses this technique at the very beginning when Macbeth’s worries are displayed when he expresses his thoughts about the sinful deed. His reasons for deciding against committing the act include reasons spurred by guilt, such as that Duncan is not only a great king, of whom Macbeth is supposedly a loyal subject, but a guest in Macbeth’s house, and Macbeth’s cousin, therefore it would be wrong to kill him. He also considers the justice of the act, as Duncan is a good man and loved by the people. Not only does Duncan do a good job leading the country, but his people would be outraged, weeping for Duncan’s death and not resting until the murderer was found. This brings Macbeth to his next reason against killing Duncan; fear for himself. Macbeth worries that the deed will eventually catch up with him, letting the people know that he was the cause of Duncan’s death, reasoning that, even if he escapes punishment on earth, he may risk the afterlife, or punishment from the gods. Macbeth also worries about his own safety when he is king, fearing that he may meet the same fate as Duncan.
At the end of Macbeth’s soliloquy, he is fully convinced that he shall not commit the deed; this is until Lady Macbeth enters the scene. Her interest conflicts with his morals and obligations but they are not good enough as Macbeth is overruled by his demanding wife, ignoring his previous decision to not commit the sinful deed.
Shakespeare’s language exhibits conflict throughout this scene.
Shakespeare uses a variety of dramatic devices to emphasise how conflict is present. One example of this is when he uses the technique of a rhetorical question; this is evident when Lady Macbeth says ‘art thou afeard to be the same in thine own act and valor as thou art in desire?’ The use of this technique is effective because it shows the readers that Lady Macbeth questions Macbeth’s desire for the throne which would result in a change of hierarchy. This leads to conflict. By asking this, Lady Macbeth questions his motivation & ambition to become successful, it appears as if Macbeth is all talk & no action. Lady Macbeth makes her husband feel less superior.