Macbeth is rising in power. A prediction that he would rise to Thane of Cawdor has come into existence. Now the three same witches predict that if he kills King Duncan, then Macbeth will inherit the throne. The time and place where Macbeth can take action have become suitable, yet he is having second thoughts about committing murder. In this speech from Shakespeare' s Macbeth, Lady Macbeth pressures Macbeth to kill King Duncan, by insulting Macbeth's manliness, by renouncing her own femininity, and by using figurative language.

Lady Macbeth attempts to motivate Macbeth to kill by insulting his manliness. Macbeth is certain that the witches' prediction was true. When he reveals his plans to Lady Macbeth, she felt he "were a man." To have such high aspirations for himself, pleased Lady Macbeth. She was also delight at the position she would obtain. Yet if Macbeth would actually kill...