An analysis of external and internal conflicts reveals the ultimate fate of king Duncan, and the expected roles of the genders in that era, the true identities of the main characters, and importance of being distinguished as a true man. Through examining the internal and external conflicts we notice what people go through to obtain a certain desire and what plan of action they will take to achieve it. From the the play Macbeth we see the external conflicts which include the plotting that Lady Macbeth had set up and manipulated Macbeth into murdering king Duncan. Another external conflict is shown through Lady Macbeth questioning Macbeth's masculinity. Examples of internal conflicts can be see through the guilt that tormented him because he recently killed Duncan. Also through the prophecies that the witches told him and the constant doubts that happen within the mind of Macbeth; if he wishes to see those prophecies fulfilled.
Initially, the first conflict that is recognized is the internal conflict in regards to the thoughts that are kept concealed in Macbeth's Mind. These thoughts involve Duncan being removed from the throne through a violent act. After he first encounters the witches these thoughts pop in his head. It makes sense because they have prophesied the future events of Macbeth and Banquo. "This supernatural soliciting/ Cannot be ill, cannot be good. If ill, / Why hath it given me earnest of success, / Commencing in a truth? I am the Thane of Cawdor./ If good, why do I yield to that suggestion/ Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair/ and make my seated heart knock at my ribs, / Against the use of nature?." ( 1.3.140-147). These strongly portray the thoughts he obtained after hearing the witches prophecy. It seems as if there is an ominous tone to his speech, questioning and almost foreshadowing the fate that lies ahead.
The external conflict that occurs between Lady Macbeth and Macbeth involving the questioning of masculinity not only shows how manipulative Lady Macbeth can be or the importance of masculinity to Macbeth; it's rather bringing gender roles into play.