Starting with this extract, how does Lady Macbeth use language to manipulate her husband in the play?
Write about:
how she persuades him to her point of view in this extract
how she uses her powers of persuasion in the rest of the play
The extract
MACBETH
We will proceed no further in this business. He hath honoured me of late, and I have bought Golden opinions from all sorts of people, Which would be worn now in their newest gloss, Not cast aside so soon.
LADY MACBETH
Was the hope drunk Wherein you dressed yourself? Hath it slept since? And wakes it now to look so green and pale At what it did so freely? From this time, Such I account thy love. Art thou afeard To be the same in thine own act and valour As thou art in desire? Wouldst thou have that Which thou esteem'st the ornament of life, And live a coward in thine own esteem, Letting I dare not wait upon I would, Like the poor cat i'th'adage?
MACBETH
Prithee, peace. I dare do all that may become a man; Who dares do more is none.
LADY MACBETH
What beast was't then That made you break this enterprise to me? When you durst do it, then you were a man. And to be more than what you were, you would Be so much more the man. Nor time, nor place Did then adhere, and yet you would make both. They have made themselves and that their fitness now Does unmake you. I have given suck and know How tender 'tis to love the babe that milks me: I would, while it was smiling in my face, Have plucked my nipple from his boneless gums And dashed the brains out, had I so sworn As you have done to this.
MACBETH
If we should fail?
LADY MACBETH
We fail? But screw your courage to the sticking-place, And we'll not fail.
Act 1 Scene 7
Before you go on to the next page, make some notes about what you might write.
Hints
Think about the key words in the question ('how', 'language').
Think about this extract – what is happening at this point? How does it affect Macbeth? Highlight some key points.
Think about Lady Macbeth and her persuasiveness across the entire play.