Well might (It was not for nought that) the CAT wink (winked) when both her eyes were out

Insights

Pretense and Hidden Motives

The proverb suggests that when someone feigns ignorance or inability, there is often a deliberate, hidden motive. The 'wink' of the 'blind' cat represents a pretense of helplessness that masks a deeper, often self-serving, agenda.

Actions Dictated by Circumstance

It illustrates that actions are often dictated by necessity rather than choice. A cat with no eyes must close its lids, an act that resembles a wink. This suggests that what might appear as a deliberate signal is actually an unavoidable consequence of one's circumstances.

Coping with Adversity

The proverb can be interpreted as a commentary on making the best of a terrible situation. The blind cat, unable to see, still finds a way to act or signal. The 'wink' becomes a symbol of adaptation and resilience in the face of profound loss or limitation.

Symbolism of the Cat

The proverb uses the cat, a creature historically associated with cunning, independence, and mystery, as its central figure. This choice enhances the theme of subterfuge, as the cat's wink is not one of friendly acknowledgment but of sly, hidden intent, fitting its symbolic reputation.

Psychology of Suspicion

The proverb functions as a lesson in critical thinking and skepticism. It teaches that when an action seems illogical or nonsensical (like a blind cat winking), one should not dismiss it but rather look for a powerful, underlying cause. It warns against taking situations at face value.

Communication Under Constraint

This proverb speaks to the nature of communication under constraint. The 'wink' is a form of non-verbal, coded language used when direct speech is impossible or dangerous. The 1660 quotation, 'durst not speak his mind out positively', directly illustrates this use as a tool for the cautious or oppressed.

Rhetorical Devices

Paradox and Absurdity

The core of the proverb is a paradox—a cat winking without eyes. This logical absurdity immediately signals that the meaning is not literal, forcing the audience to seek a deeper, metaphorical interpretation.

Irony

The proverb is built on situational irony. A wink is an act of seeing and signaling, yet here it is performed by a creature that is blind. This subverts the expected meaning of the action to highlight deception and hidden causes.

Anthropomorphism

By attributing the complex, human-like act of a conspiratorial wink to a cat, the proverb uses anthropomorphism to make its point about human cunning, deception, and motivation more vivid and memorable.