In the tragedy of Macbeth, the concept of blind ambition is has a recurring appearance. Not only through Macbeth himself, but within his very wife – Lady Macbeth. At first, Macbeth is reluctant to murder King Duncan and managed to talk himself out of temptation, however, we consequently realize that Lady Macbeth is the one who pulls the strings in their relationship. In spite of the fact the play is set in a society where men are dominant in relationships, Shakespeare presents an atypical couple where Macbeth even calls her wife his “dearest partner in greatness” (1. 5. 1). This leads us to believe that Macbeth thinks very highly of Lady Macbeth, and is therefore just as much under her influence if not more.
One time Lady Macbeth uses her powers of persuasion to convince Macbeth of Duncan’s murder is through her use of showing and then withdrawing her love/affection. She claims “From this time Such I account thy love.” (1. 7. 38-39), which evidently sets off a change in the mind of Macbeth. This can also tie into the idea that Macbeth is obsessed with his appearance and what others think of him (in particular his wife and those in power), so Lady Macbeth uses this to her advantage. It almost as if she implies if he doesn’t carry through with what she wants, he is nothing to her.
Another tactic Lady Macbeth uses on her husband is playing with his very sense and worth of masculinity. She does this by comparing herself to him and how he breaks promises (unlike a real man). “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.” (1. 7. 55-60) Essentially she plays with his pride and tells him that in order to be a real man he must keep his promises above all else. For a woman, let alone his wife to suggest she is more ‘manly’ and ‘honourable’ than Macbeth really spurs him into action above all costs. Whether or not Macbeth is fully aware of it, Lady Macbeth knows how to pull his strings.