Macbeth and the art of persuasion

https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/teaching-resources/teaching-secondary/uk-history-and-literature/shakespeare/lady-macbeth-and-how

Lady Macbeth uses a variety of tactics to persuade Macbeth to kill Duncan:

• Questions his manhood: She calls him a coward and accuses him of lacking the courage to seize the crown. This plays on his ambition and desire for power.
• Minimizes the act: She suggests that the murder will be swift and easy, and that they will be able to frame the king's servants.
• Promises to take charge: She offers to handle the logistics of the murder, relieving Macbeth of some of the burden and responsibility.
• Appeals to his ambition: She reminds him of the potential rewards of becoming king, emphasizing the glory and power that await them.

Lady Macbeth employs several persuasive techniques to convince Macbeth to murder Duncan:  

• Appeal to Ambition: She constantly reminds Macbeth of the potential rewards of becoming king, emphasizing the glory and power that await them.  
• Gaslighting and Emotional Manipulation: She questions his manhood, accusing him of cowardice and weakness. This plays on his insecurities and desire to prove himself.  
• Minimization of the Act: She downplays the severity of the murder, suggesting it will be a swift and easy deed.  
• Shifting of Blame: She offers to take the blame for the murder, relieving Macbeth of some of the guilt and responsibility.
• Reassurance and Confidence: She expresses unwavering confidence in their success, assuring Macbeth that they will not be caught.

These techniques, combined with her strong will and unwavering determination, ultimately sway Macbeth and push him towards committing the regicide.