Meaning & Analysis
If you try to stroke or soothe a rude, ill-mannered person (a churl) or perform a uselessly kind act for a pig (greasing a fat sow's tail), they will respond by defecating on your hand. The action is a misguided attempt at kindness that results in a vulgar and defiling response.
Insights
Ingratitude of the Ignoble
The proverb is a stark metaphor for ingratitude. It argues that extending kindness, flattery, or generosity to a base or ill-natured person will not be appreciated or reciprocated. Instead, such gestures will be met with contempt, disrespect, and defilement.
The Unchangeable Nature of the Base
It suggests the futility of trying to 'civilize' or win over someone of coarse character. Any attempt to appease or show favor to such an individual is pointless, as their fundamental nature will lead them to respond with vulgarity, soiling the person who tried to help.
Kindness as Vulnerability
The act of offering a hand to 'claw' (soothe) or 'grease' is a gesture of goodwill. The churl's or sow's reaction is a crude betrayal of this gesture, turning an act of kindness into an experience of humiliation and disgust.
Warning Against Misplaced Kindness
The proverb serves as a cynical warning against misplaced favors. It advises that one should not waste resources or kindness on those who are incapable of appreciating them, as the only result will be personal harm and disillusionment.
Social Class and Prejudice
The figure of the 'churl' is deeply rooted in the feudal class system, representing a person of low birth. The proverb reflects an aristocratic prejudice, asserting that kindness or favor shown to social inferiors is not only wasted but will be met with base ingratitude, reinforcing a rigid social hierarchy.
Psychological Defense
The proverb's cynical worldview suggests that certain individuals are inherently base and unchangeable. Psychologically, it serves as a defense mechanism against the disappointment of unreciprocated generosity, justifying a cautious or even hostile stance toward those deemed unworthy.
Vernacular Style and Imagery
The raw, scatological imagery is a hallmark of rustic or 'low' proverbial wisdom, contrasting sharply with more courtly or philosophical sayings. Its visceral nature ensures memorability and delivers its warning with blunt, undeniable force, as seen in the numerous vulgar variations in the historical quotations.
Critique of Wasted Generosity
The variant 'grease a fat sow' adds a layer of meaning, cautioning against superfluous generosity toward the already privileged or greedy. It implies that such acts are not only unappreciated but are a form of foolish waste, as the recipient is already 'fat' and incapable of gratitude.
Rhetorical Devices
Scatological Imagery
The use of 'beray' (to defile with excrement), and the even more graphic language in the historical quotes, creates a shocking and memorable image. This vulgarity drives the proverb's point home with visceral impact.
Animal Symbolism
The churl and the sow are used as animalistic symbols for people of base, ungrateful, and coarse character, effectively dehumanizing them to emphasize their perceived inability to respond with civilized gratitude.
Metaphor
The proverb functions as a powerful, if crude, metaphor. The physical act of being soiled by an animal or churl stands for the emotional or social humiliation of having one's kindness met with contempt.
Parallelism
The parenthetical structure offering 'Grease a fat sow' as an alternative to 'Claw a churl' reinforces the central theme. Both actions are futile attempts to appease the ungrateful, creating a stronger, more versatile proverb.
Transcription
Quotations
(by thars, and he shiteth in my hande).
This prouerbe in Esau may be vnderstande: Clawe a churle by the tayle, and he will file your hand.
I lin’d your gutts there, and you vse me thus? but grease a fat sowe, etc.
(by the breech, and he will beray your fist).
(hee’l mute in thy fist).
(by th’ — and he — in thy hand).
(by the arse, and he shiteth in thy hand).
Claw an old churle by the breech, and he will shite in your fist.
Masques at Court, VII 591: (by the arse, and hee’l shite in your fist).
Claw an Ass by the breech and hee’l bewray your fingers.
Rub a churles tail he will give thee a turd.
Grease a fat Sow in the tail, she will shite in your fist.
(by the Breech, and he will foul your hand).
Who doth good to a clown, shites in his own hand.
Clap a carle on the culs, and he will shit in your louf.
(by the breech, and he will sh— in your fist).
Cross References
Annotations
- Persons of servile temper or education, have no sense of honour or ingenuity, and must be dealt with accordingly.
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
Used under CC BY-NC 3.0.