When he has wounded himself he seeks to the DEVIL for physic

Insights

Compounding Errors

The proverb illustrates how one mistake or transgression ('the wound') often leads to another, more severe one ('the Devil's physic'). It warns against trying to fix a problem by applying a solution that is equally or more corrupt than the original error.

Desperate and Destructive Solutions

It depicts a state of desperation where, having made a grave error, an individual feels that their only recourse is a dangerous or immoral solution. The Devil represents a last, treacherous resort when all virtuous options seem closed.

Cycle of Moral Corruption

This proverb describes a cycle of moral decay. An initial failing ('the wound') is not met with repentance or a genuine remedy, but with a turn towards a deeper evil ('the Devil') for a deceptive cure, which only accelerates moral corruption.

The Deception of Evil

It highlights the deceptive nature of evil, which often presents itself as a solution to the very problems it creates. The Devil offers a 'plaster' for the wound, but this remedy is itself poisonous and leads to greater ruin.

Theological Allegory

Rooted in a Christian theological framework, the proverb uses the 'Devil' as the ultimate symbol of deceit. The 'wound' signifies a self-inflicted moral or spiritual injury (sin), and seeking the Devil's 'physic' (medicine) represents attempting to solve a problem by compounding the original transgression with further corruption, such as lying to cover a mistake.

Literary Archetype

This proverb resonates with the classic literary theme of the tragic hero, found in works like Marlowe's 'Doctor Faustus', where a character, feeling wounded by their limitations, makes a pact with a destructive force for a 'cure,' leading inevitably to a greater downfall.

Psychology of Self-Destruction

Psychologically, the proverb illustrates a cycle of self-destruction. It describes the flawed logic of addressing a problem with a 'solution' that is part of the same destructive pattern—akin to an addict using more of a substance to escape the consequences of addiction.

Modern Financial Parallel

In a modern context, this reflects situations where individuals, having made a poor decision (e.g., getting into debt), turn to a predatory source (like a loan shark) for a 'remedy,' thereby worsening their predicament. The core principle of a destructive solution exacerbating the initial harm remains timeless.

Rhetorical Devices

Extended Metaphor

The entire proverb functions as a powerful metaphor where the self-inflicted 'wound' symbolizes a sin or error, and seeking 'physic' from the 'Devil' represents applying a corrupting and destructive solution.

Irony

A strong situational irony underscores the proverb's message. The act of seeking healing ('physic') from the embodiment of destruction ('the Devil') highlights the absolute folly and desperation of the choice.

Symbolism

The 'Devil' is a potent symbol and personification of ultimate evil, deception, and corruption. This figure immediately conveys the disastrous nature of the chosen remedy.