MEN of his hair are seen oftener at the B- court than at the gallows

Insights

Hierarchy of Vices

The proverb establishes a hierarchy of wrongdoing, distinguishing between common sins of the flesh (lechery) and grave criminal acts. It suggests that while human passion often leads to social trouble, it is less of a threat than the malice that results in capital punishment.

Social vs. Criminal Justice

It draws a clear line between the consequences of social transgressions and serious crimes. The 'Bawdy court' symbolizes societal regulation of morality, while 'the gallows' represents ultimate justice, implying that certain character flaws offend norms rather than break fundamental laws.

Prevalence of Lust over Malice

The proverb serves as a commentary on human nature, suggesting that failings driven by lust are far more prevalent than those driven by profound malice. It frames certain behaviors as a common, almost expected, feature of the human condition.

Historical Court System

The proverb's reference to 'B---court' alludes to the historical 'bawdy courts'—ecclesiastical courts in England that prosecuted moral offenses like adultery and fornication. This places the proverb in a specific socio-legal context where the church actively policed public morality.

Physiognomy and Stereotype

The phrase 'men of his hair' taps into the historical belief in physiognomy, the idea that physical traits reveal character. It often targeted stereotypes, such as the association of red hair with a fiery, lustful, or untrustworthy temperament, suggesting a deterministic view of behavior.

Psychology of Vice

By contrasting common moral failings with capital crimes, the proverb reveals a psychological acceptance of human fallibility. It suggests that sins of passion are a frequent and manageable social nuisance, unlike the more severe transgressions that threaten the core of social order.

Rhetorical Devices

Antithesis

The proverb is structured on the stark contrast between the 'B---court' (minor moral adjudications) and 'the gallows' (ultimate punishment), effectively framing the difference in the severity of the offenses.

Euphemism

The use of 'B---court' is a euphemism for 'Bawdy court', softening the direct reference to a court dealing with sexual and moral misconduct, which reflects the social norms of the period.

Synecdoche and Metonymy

'Hair' is used as a synecdoche, where a single physical attribute stands in for a person's entire temperament and moral character, while 'court' and 'gallows' are metonyms for the systems of justice they represent.