Ambition and Power:
- Lady Macbeth's intense ambition for power and social status drives her to persuade Macbeth to take drastic actions to acquire the crown. She uses manipulative language and appeals to his weaknesses, reinforcing his desire to be king.
Prophecies and Destiny:
- After hearing the witches' prophecies, Lady Macbeth dismisses the moral consequences of their actions and convinces Macbeth that destiny has chosen him for greatness. She argues that the prophecies must be fulfilled, making the murder of Duncan seem necessary.
Gender Role Reversal:
- Lady Macbeth challenges the traditional gender roles of the time, presenting herself as more ambitious and ruthless than Macbeth. She mocks his masculinity and implies that he is not a "real man" unless he commits the murder. This plays on Macbeth's insecurities and pushes him towards the act.
Emotional Manipulation:
- Lady Macbeth uses emotional manipulation and guilt to sway Macbeth's decision. She suggests that he will be seen as a coward and a failure if he does not follow through with his intentions, preying on his pride and sense of masculinity.
Mental and Physical Strength:
- Lady Macbeth attempts to fortify Macbeth's resolve by claiming she possesses the mental and physical strength to bear the consequences of murder. She takes charge of the situation, planning the details of the crime, and this display of strength influences Macbeth's perception of her and the feasibility of the deed.
Loss of Masculinity and Manhood:
- Lady Macbeth repeatedly questions Macbeth's manhood, suggesting that refraining from killing Duncan will make him appear feminine and weak. She employs emotional blackmail and plays on his fear of being perceived as less of a man.
Guilt and Remorse:
- While Lady Macbeth initially suppresses her guilt after the murder, she ultimately succumbs to the emotional toll it takes on her conscience. Observing her descent into madness, Macbeth becomes plagued by guilt and internal struggles.
Through these methods, Lady Macbeth becomes Macbeth's driving force in committing the regicide. She manipulates his ambition, plays on his fears and weaknesses, and exerts significant influence over his decision-making, pushing him towards the path of murder and its tragic consequences.