Act 1 Scene 7 of Shakespeare's play "Macbeth" is a crucial turning point in the play, as it marks the beginning of Lady Macbeth's descent into madness and guilt. This scene also reveals the extent of her ambition and manipulation, as she urges her husband to commit murder in order to fulfill his prophecy of becoming king.
At the beginning of the scene, Lady Macbeth is alone, reading a letter from Macbeth that describes his encounter with the witches and their prophecy. She is immediately struck by the idea that Macbeth could be king, and begins to plot and scheme to make it a reality. She knows that Macbeth is hesitant and worried about the moral implications of killing Duncan, the current king, so she resolves to use her influence and cunning to convince him to go through with it.
Lady Macbeth's first tactic is to appeal to Macbeth's manhood and ambition, calling him a "coward" and questioning his bravery. She argues that if he does not seize this opportunity, he will always be a "poor player" who "struts and frets his hour upon the stage" without achieving anything of substance. This is a clever tactic, as it plays on Macbeth's ego and desire to be seen as a strong, successful man.
Next, Lady Macbeth attempts to erase any doubts or reservations that Macbeth may have by using rhetorical questions and logical arguments. She asks him what he has to fear, since Duncan is an old man and the deed will be easy to accomplish. She also points out that if they do not act now, they may lose their chance to become king, as the prophecies may not come true.
Finally, Lady Macbeth appeals to Macbeth's love and loyalty, reminding him that she has always stood by him and will continue to do so. She says that she will "pour [her] spirits in [his] ear" and "chastise with the valor of [her] tongue" anyone who stands in their way. This final appeal is particularly effective, as it speaks to Macbeth's sense of duty and his desire to please his wife.
Throughout the scene, Lady Macbeth is confident and persuasive, using a variety of tactics to manipulate and coerce Macbeth into committing murder. Her ambition and desire for power drive her to act ruthlessly, and she is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve her goals. This scene reveals Lady Macbeth as a complex and multifaceted character, one who is willing to go to great lengths to achieve her desires.
