In Act 5.3 of Shakespeare's Macbeth, internal conflicts are revealed in the title character.
The scene opens with Macbeth appearing confident that he can withstand any attack by his enemies. He is holding on to his faith in the predictions made by the witches. He spouts the details--the man born of woman thing, etc.--like he is invincible.
Yet, within only seconds he is despairing, saying he "has lived long enough," and that he should not expect those things that come with old age, such as "honor, love, obedience."
Emotionally, Macbeth holds on to the predictions that suggest he is indestructible. Rationally, however, Macbeth appears to know better. His emotions cannot withstand the fact that 10,000 soldiers are preparing to attack him.
Later, in Act 5.5, Macbeth will despair again when he is told that his wife has died. In his "Tomorrow" speech, he will reveal another internal conflict: whatever one does or accomplishes, it is meaningless anyway. Macbeth slips into nihilism, the belief that nothing matters.
Yet, again, oppositions appear in Macbeth. Soon, whether it matters or not, Macbeth, facing certain defeat, will battle face-to-face with his foes, fighting and dying nobly.
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