"Nought's had, all's spent.....Than by destruction dwell in doubtful joy."- Explain

The quoted lines from Act3 Sc2 of the remarkable play, Macbeth by the great genius,William Shakespeare are spoken by Lady Macbeth in profound melancholy.

         Duncan is murdered and Macbeth has become the king of Scotland to the fulfilment of their long cherished ambition. But she has realised that Macbeth is not really happy. Lady Macbeth gives out here that feeling of frustration with which her mind is obsessed, even after securing the crown of scotland for her husband. Actually, Lady Macbeth feels the futility of the deed they have done. She is no longer the resolute remorseless woman that we found before the murder. Here Lady Macbeth is stricken with remorse and sense of loneliness.

          Lady Macbeth frankly admits that her husand,Macbeth and herself hace actually gained nothing by their act of murder. On the otherhand, they have lost everything their honour, mental peace and joy. She herself has fallen prey to deep melancholy after becoming the queen of Scottland, but her pride and her love for her husband prevent her from expressing it to Macbeth. They have, no doubt, obtained the object of their desire, but peace and happiness have desertex them forever. She realises that  it is better to be the person who is killed than to be in joy mixed with fear . Lady Macbeth envies the dead Duncan who is free from anxiety and cares of frightened life.

             These words clearly indicate Lady Macbeth's acute frustration and depression . She now prefers death instead of living a life full of worries and agonizing suspense. Lady Macbeth feels the vast difference between the poor prize and huge price. The change in Lady Macbeth is obvious and notably contrast with the change seen in Macbeth. The effect of a forced crime on her feminine nature is partly evident here. This is actually the beginning of her end. She is not, however, after all, devilish person.