Comparison of Speech of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth

If you’re a student facing the challenging task of crafting a literature review or a comparison essay on a literary topic, there’s no need to go it alone. StudyMoose offers expert writing services specifically tailored to these complex assignments. By simply reaching out with a ‘write my literature review‘ request, you can have access to seasoned professionals who are well-versed in literary analysis and academic writing standards. StudyMoose’s experts can help you not only fulfill the assignment’s criteria but also elevate the quality of your work, allowing you to focus on other academic and personal priorities.

In the Shakespearean drama, Lady Macbeth’s and Macbeth’s speeches around the killings present both distinct differences and striking similarities. One of the key differences is how Lady Macbeth requires more effort to persuade Macbeth to kill Duncan, whereas Macbeth seems to easily convince the murderers to kill Banquo. However, it should be noted that Macbeth likely drew upon his experience with Lady Macbeth for his own persuasive tactics.

Rhetorical Appeals in Lady Macbeth’s Speech

Lady Macbeth employs a range of rhetorical appeals to persuade her husband. One prominent technique is ethos. She uses her position as his wife to convince him that it’s acceptable to be selfish and usurp Duncan’s royal position. In the face of Macbeth’s reluctance, she employs ethos further by emphasizing her own loyalty and willingness to go to extreme lengths, thereby challenging him to do the same.

The Power of Pathos and Logos in Lady Macbeth’s Persuasion

In addition to ethos, Lady Macbeth also utilizes pathos and logos. Pathos is apparent when she challenges Macbeth’s love and manhood, essentially calling him a coward. She also employs logos by suggesting that if Macbeth exhibits enough courage, they will not fail in their deadly endeavor.

Macbeth’s Approach: Drawing from Lady Macbeth’s Tactics

Macbeth, when persuading the murderers, echoes Lady Macbeth’s methods but modifies them to fit his needs. He leverages the rhetorical appeal of logos by providing a reason for the murderers to kill Banquo—claiming that Banquo is the root cause of their suffering. His persuasive strategy bears similarities to Lady Macbeth’s approach, particularly in how he uses emotional and logical arguments to get his way.

Banquo’s Suspicion: A Catalyst for Macbeth

Banquo’s growing suspicion serves as an underlying motivator for Macbeth. His unease about how Macbeth gained his royal position adds another layer of complexity to Macbeth’s own speech and actions, ultimately pushing him to employ more persuasive tactics.

Conclusion: A Tale of Two Speeches

In summary, the speeches of both Lady Macbeth and Macbeth reveal nuanced approaches to persuasion, rife with various rhetorical appeals. While Lady Macbeth uses a combination of ethos, pathos, and logos, Macbeth employs similar strategies but modifies them to his advantage. Despite the different contexts and recipients of their persuasion, both characters manage to achieve their objectives, revealing the depth of their cunning and strategic thinking.