A good COMING IN is all in all with a widow

Insights

Pragmatism over Romance

The proverb suggests that financial security is the ultimate priority in a second marriage, eclipsing romantic love or other personal qualities. The suitor's wealth is the key to winning the widow's favor.

Quest for Stability

'A good coming in' symbolizes not just money, but the restoration of stability, social standing, and security that was lost with the death of a spouse. It represents a return to a secure position in society.

Cynical View of Marriage

The proverb can be interpreted as a cynical commentary on human motivation, suggesting that material self-interest is the primary driver in the 'business' of marriage, particularly for those who have experienced hardship.

Socio-Economic Pragmatism

This proverb reflects the socioeconomic realities of historical periods where a widow's financial security was often precarious. Marriage was a primary economic institution, and for a woman who had lost her provider, a suitor's income ('coming in') was a paramount consideration for survival and stability.

Psychology of Widowhood

The proverb encapsulates a cynical or realistic perspective on remarriage, suggesting that experience (the loss of a spouse) replaces youthful romanticism with a pragmatic focus on material security. It highlights a shift in priorities from love to financial stability.

Literary Archetype

The 'wealthy widow' is a recurring figure in literature, often depicted as a shrewd and desirable character pursued for her fortune. This proverb serves as a concise summary of the motivations driving both the widow and her potential suitors in such narratives.

Gender and Power Dynamics

The proverb subtly underscores the limited agency of women in historical patriarchal societies. A widow's power and security were seen as being directly tied to her connection to a man's wealth, whether inherited from her deceased husband or acquired through a new one.

Rhetorical Devices

Euphemism

The phrase 'coming in' serves as a polite or indirect term for income, wealth, or financial assets, softening the bluntness of the proverb's materialistic message.

Hyperbole

The phrase 'all in all' is an exaggeration used to emphasize the supreme importance of finances in a widow's considerations, making the statement more impactful and memorable.

Aphoristic Statement

The proverb is structured as a declarative statement of fact, presenting a social observation as an undeniable truth, which enhances its authority and persuasive force.