Final answer:
Macbeth is contemplating the murder of King Duncan in Act 1, Scene 7 of Shakespeare's play, while Lady Macbeth ruthlessly urges him to commit the act, questioning his manhood and resolve.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Act 1, Scene 7 of William Shakespeare's "Macbeth," Macbeth is contemplating the murder of King Duncan after the dinner with the king and his guests. Macbeth is riddled with doubt and moral hesitation about the regicidal act he is pondering. Lady Macbeth, on the other hand, displays a ruthless attitude regarding Macbeth's predicament. She challenges his manhood and scorns his hesitance, questioning his love for her and his bravery. She belittles his fears and pushes him toward the deed, dismissing his concerns with a stinging comparison to a cautious cat in an adage. This internal conflict and external pressure highlight the central themes of ambition and manipulation that run throughout the play.