Meaning & Analysis
A woman named Kit (a diminutive of Katherine) has misplaced or lost her physical key.
Insights
Loss of Chastity
The proverb is a widely understood euphemism for a woman losing her virginity. The 'key' symbolizes her chastity, which, once 'lost,' cannot be easily recovered, reflecting deep-seated societal anxieties about female purity and honor.
Loss of Control or Order
On a more general level, it signifies a state of disorder, carelessness, or having lost control over one's affairs or household, just as one loses access and security without a key. The 1533 quotation by Thomas More uses it in this sense of general disarray.
A Forgotten Solution
The phrase can also symbolize having forgotten or misplaced the solution to a problem, a crucial piece of information, or an opportunity needed to move forward.
Historical Euphemism
The proverb serves as a coded expression, particularly in the 16th century, to discuss female sexuality and loss of virginity indirectly, a topic often shrouded in social stigma. The 1548 quotation links it to prayers concerning 'bad husbands' and pregnancy ('keep down the belly').
Symbolism of the Key
Historically, the key is a potent symbol of authority, access, and, for women, chastity. Losing the key signifies a forfeiture of that power, whether it be domestic control, personal honor, or the solution to a problem.
Gender and Social Commentary
By using a common female name, 'Kit,' the proverb transforms a personal mishap into a subject of public commentary or gossip, reflecting the intense social scrutiny placed upon women's conduct and honor during the period.
Rhetorical Devices
Euphemism
The phrase delicately alludes to the sensitive subject of a woman's loss of virginity, substituting a mundane event for a socially charged one, thus avoiding direct and potentially scandalous language.
Symbolism
The 'key' is a powerful and multi-layered symbol representing chastity, control, access, or a solution, allowing the proverb to operate on both literal and figurative levels.
Alliteration
The repetition of the hard 'k' sound in 'Kit' and 'key' creates a memorable, rhythmic quality that enhances its proverbial persistence and catchiness.
Transcription
Quotations
Certayne letters whyche some of the bretherne lette fall of late, and lost them of lykelyhed as some good kytte leseth her kayes.
Oblations and offerings .. for deliverance of bad husbands .. to keep down the belly, and when Kit had lost her key.
[Title]
Annotations
- Katherine or Kate
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
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