Lady Macbeth's Manipulation
In Act 1, Scene 5, the prophecy that was given to Macbeth is explained in the letter to Lady Macbeth, Lady Macbeth could assume that Macbeth becomes Thane of Cawdor, Duncan in the end dies, and finally Macbeth becomes King of Scotland. Yet Lady Macbeth lets her arrogance and greed disregard this alternative. Lady Macbeth is depicted as a harsh, cruel, manipulative and power hungry woman with no conscience. Lady Macbeth intends to persuade Macbeth to kill Duncan rather than wait for Macbeth's promotion. At first Macbeth no longer wish to kill Duncan. Declaring "we will proceed no further in this business"(1.7.32) However, Macbeth evidently reconsiders the idea of murdering Duncan. Macbeth does this as a result of Lady Macbeth's manipulation,
using Macbeth's manliness against him. Lady Macbeth calls Macbeth a coward and questions his manhood: "When you durst do it, then you are a man" (1.7.49) In addition, Lady Macbeth claims Macbeth had "sworn" (1.6.17) to her that he would kill Duncan thus Macbeth is breaking an oath by refusing to kill. Macbeth, however, chooses to listen to his deceitful wife. Ultimately, Macbeth chooses to heed his wife's persuasions. Therefore, although Macbeth is influenced by his wife, he still has control of his free will.
using Macbeth's manliness against him. Lady Macbeth calls Macbeth a coward and questions his manhood: "When you durst do it, then you are a man" (1.7.49) In addition, Lady Macbeth claims Macbeth had "sworn" (1.6.17) to her that he would kill Duncan thus Macbeth is breaking an oath by refusing to kill. Macbeth, however, chooses to listen to his deceitful wife. Ultimately, Macbeth chooses to heed his wife's persuasions. Therefore, although Macbeth is influenced by his wife, he still has control of his free will.