Meaning & Analysis
The phrase describes something that contains a very wide and diverse range of types or options, comparable to the full spectrum of colors seen in a rainbow.
Insights
Abundance and Variety
The proverb uses the rainbow as a metaphor for plenitude and comprehensive variety. It signifies an abundance or a complete and diverse collection of anything, from physical objects like flowers to abstract concepts like vices.
Completeness and Perfection
The rainbow symbolizes a perfect, self-contained whole. In this sense, the proverb can imply a state of completeness or totality, where nothing more can be added without being superfluous, as noted in Shakespeare's 'King John'.
Natural Beauty and Wonder
As a symbol of natural wonder and beauty, the rainbow lends these qualities to whatever it describes. The proverb often suggests that the variety it refers to is not just numerous but also beautiful, vibrant, and marvelous.
Cultural and Religious Symbolism
The rainbow serves as a powerful, universal symbol of divine promise and hope, rooted in the biblical story of Noah. This imbues the idea of variety with connotations of beauty, order, and divine favor, elevating it beyond mere multiplicity.
Literary Versatility
Shakespeare's use of the rainbow image reveals its versatility. In 'King John', adding to the rainbow is 'wasteful and ridiculous excess', suggesting it represents a perfect, complete set. In contrast, other uses emphasize comprehensive variety, whether in suffering ('beaten... into all the colours') or material goods ('ribbons of all the colours').
Poetic vs. Scientific Truth
The proverb relies on the poetic perception of the rainbow as having many distinct colors, rather than the scientific reality of a continuous spectrum. This highlights how cultural symbols often codify a simplified, more resonant version of natural phenomena to convey meaning.
Psychological Shorthand
The expression provides a cognitive shortcut for conveying the concept of 'all-encompassing' or 'every possible type'. It taps into a universally recognized natural image to express a complex idea of total inclusivity and diversity in a simple, memorable way.
Rhetorical Devices
Simile
The proverb is structured as a simile, using the phrase 'as many... as' to create a direct and vivid comparison to the colors of a rainbow.
Imagery
It evokes a strong visual image of the rainbow, a universally recognized and aesthetically pleasing phenomenon, making the comparison highly effective and memorable.
Hyperbole
The phrase often functions as a hyperbole, using the 'many' colors of the rainbow to exaggerate and emphasize the sheer scale of the variety being described.
Symbolism
The rainbow itself is a rich symbol, representing hope, promise, beauty, and diversity, adding layers of connotative meaning to the comparison.
Transcription
Quotations
This Garland of flowers, which hath all colours of the Rainebowe.
Seeing there are as many Vices in it, as there are Colours in the Rain-bow.
The English says, As many Colours as in the Rain-bow.
Shakespeare Citations
To smooth the ice, or add another hue Unto the rainbow . . Is wasteful and ridiculous excess.
I was beaten myself into all the colours of rainbow.
He hath ribbons of all the colours i' th' rainbow.
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
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