In Shakespeare's "Macbeth," Macbeth convinces the murderers to kill Banquo by appealing to their grievances and manipulating their emotions. The conversation occurs in Act 3, Scene 1, where Macbeth meets with the assassins he has hired.
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Exploiting Grievances: Macbeth begins by discussing the injustices they have faced. He tells them that Banquo is their enemy and has wronged them, thereby inciting their anger toward Banquo. He plays on their feelings of frustration and resentment, portraying Banquo as the source of their misfortunes.
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Creating a Common Enemy: Macbeth paints Banquo as a threat to their ambitions, suggesting that he poses a danger not just to Macbeth’s rule but to their future and prosperity as well. By framing Banquo as a common adversary, Macbeth fosters a sense of unity between himself and the murderers.
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Fueling Their Ambition: He further entices the murderers by suggesting that eliminating Banquo will help them achieve their own goals and secure their place in the new order. He manipulates them by promising that their fortunes will be enhanced if they help him.
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Using Fear and Mistrust: Macbeth instills a sense of urgency and fear by suggesting that Banquo's continued existence poses a direct threat to their lives and aspirations. This fear makes them more amenable to carrying out the deed.
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Indirect Suggestion: Macbeth initially avoids overtly ordering the murder, instead prompting the assassins to act on their own volition by suggesting he wants Banquo dead without making it seem like a direct order. This way, they feel more like they are making the choice themselves, which helps them justify their actions.
In summary, Macbeth skillfully manipulates the murderers by playing on their past grievances, creating a unifying threat in Banquo, and appealing to their ambitions and fears. His persuasive tactics ultimately lead them to agree to commit the murder.
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