Meaning & Analysis
One must acknowledge the positive attributes or grant the deserved credit to a person, even if that person is considered wicked, unpleasant, or an adversary.
Insights
Principle of Impartial Justice
The proverb champions the principle of impartial justice, arguing that fairness should transcend personal bias. It insists on objectively recognizing merit, truth, or achievement, regardless of the source.
Acknowledging Unpleasant Truths
It serves as a call for intellectual honesty, compelling one to acknowledge valid points or positive qualities in an opponent or a disliked situation, even when it is emotionally or ideologically inconvenient.
Test of Moral Integrity
Acting on this principle is a demonstration of one's own moral character. By giving credit where it is due, even to an enemy, a person affirms their commitment to truth over personal animosity.
Theological Underpinning
The proverb's force derives from its theological context, where the Devil is the ultimate evil. By demanding fairness for this supreme antagonist, it establishes an absolute standard of justice, implying that if even the Devil deserves his due, so does any lesser foe.
Psychological Integrity
The proverb challenges the psychological tendency to dehumanize adversaries (confirmation bias). It forces an uncomfortable acknowledgment of complexity, demanding that we recognize merit even in those we dislike, thus promoting a more nuanced and less polarized worldview.
Literary and Ethical Context
Used frequently by writers like Shakespeare and his contemporaries, the proverb often appears in contexts of reluctant praise, especially for an enemy's skill or courage. This demonstrates its role in articulating the complex ethics of conflict and rivalry.
Rhetorical Devices
Hyperbole
The use of the 'Devil' as the recipient of fairness is a powerful hyperbole. It presents an extreme case to argue that if the embodiment of evil deserves fair treatment, then so must any human adversary.
Antithesis
The phrase creates a strong antithesis between the inherent evil of the 'Devil' and the moral righteousness of giving him 'his due', creating a memorable and impactful ethical command.
Alliteration
The alliteration of the 'd' sound in 'Devil' and 'due' creates a rhythmic, emphatic quality that enhances the proverb's memorability and rhetorical force.
Transcription
Quotations
Giue them their due though they were diuels.
Whose doubts and envies—But the Devil will have his due.
Nay, 'faith, thou art a reasonable neat artificer, give the devil his due.
Give him his due though he were the Devil.
I had a mind . . to give even the Devil (as they say) his right, and fair play in a Disputation.
(Give even).
Shakespeare Citations
Sir John . . will give the devil his due.
I will take that up with 'Give the devil his due.'
But if you were the devil, you are fair.
Cross References
Annotations
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
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