Meaning & Analysis
Getting married one day will inevitably lead to regret on the very next day, suggesting that the negative consequences of marriage are immediate.
Insights
Perils of Impulsivity
The proverb serves as a broader metaphor for the dangers of any impulsive, significant decision. 'Marrying' represents making a hasty commitment, while 'repenting' symbolizes the immediate and unavoidable negative consequences that follow.
Idealism vs. Reality
It highlights the stark and sudden collision between the idealized excitement of a commitment ('today') and the sobering, often difficult, reality that follows ('tomorrow'), suggesting that disillusionment is a swift and certain outcome.
Irreversible Choices
This saying warns about the gravity of irreversible choices. Marriage, as a binding contract, symbolizes any major life decision where the consequences are immediate and the feeling of being trapped can set in quickly.
Historical Cynicism
This proverb reflects a deeply cynical view of marriage, likely rooted in historical contexts where romantic ideals were secondary to pragmatic or economic considerations. Its starkness suggests a common cultural experience of post-nuptial disillusionment.
Psychology of Regret
The proverb powerfully captures the psychological phenomenon of 'buyer’s remorse' or post-decision dissonance. The immediate shift from 'today' to 'tomorrow' highlights the sudden and overwhelming nature of regret following a significant, ill-considered commitment.
Aphoristic Warning
As a piece of folk wisdom, it serves as a blunt cautionary tale against impulsive, life-altering decisions. Unlike its counterpart 'Marry in haste and repent at leisure,' this version's immediacy offers a more urgent and severe warning.
Rhetorical Devices
Antithesis
The proverb's power lies in the stark juxtaposition of 'marry' (a joyous act) with 'repent' (a sorrowful one), and 'today' with 'tomorrow', creating a memorable and impactful warning.
Parallelism
The balanced 'Verb today, Verb tomorrow' structure creates a simple, rhythmic, and easily remembered parallel construction that enhances its proverbial quality.
Hyperbole
The claim of repenting the very next day is a deliberate exaggeration used to emphasize the certainty and swiftness of the regret that is believed to follow a hasty marriage.
Transcription
Quotations
To day maryed, to morrow sorri.
Married to day, sad to morrow.
(sad to morrow).
Cross References
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
Used under CC BY-NC 3.0.