OPPORTUNITY (Night, Midnight) is woredom's bawd

Insights

The Enabler of Vice

Metaphorically, the proverb argues that any form of vice or transgression, not just sexual immorality, is enabled by circumstance. 'Opportunity' is the catalyst that transforms a latent corrupt desire into a tangible act of wrongdoing.

Situational Morality

The proverb serves as a cynical observation on human nature, suggesting that morality is often situational. It implies that many people remain virtuous only due to a lack of a suitable chance to transgress, and that a tempting opportunity will reveal their underlying weakness.

The Seduction of Circumstance

By personifying opportunity as a 'bawd', the proverb suggests that circumstances are not merely passive but can be an active, seductive force. It highlights how a convergence of factors can conspire to lead an individual toward a path of corruption they might otherwise have avoided.

Renaissance Dramatic Context

This proverb reflects a central theme in Renaissance drama, particularly in the works of Shakespeare, Marston, and Heywood, where 'Opportunity' is often personified as a malevolent force that orchestrates moral collapse. The figure of the 'bawd' was a familiar, villainous stock character, making the metaphor immediately potent and culturally resonant for audiences of the period.

Psychology of Blame

The proverb offers a psychological insight into the rationalization of misdeeds. By casting 'Opportunity' as the active agent (the 'bawd'), the transgressor can deflect personal responsibility. It suggests a belief in situational ethics, where virtue is not an intrinsic quality but is highly susceptible to external circumstances.

Symbolism of Darkness

The inclusion of 'Night' and 'Midnight' as variants highlights the symbolic power of darkness. Historically and psychologically, darkness represents concealment, secrecy, and the suspension of social order, providing the ideal environment for acts that would be condemned in the 'light' of day.

Philosophical Roots

Cited by Erasmus and linked to proverbs like 'Opportunity makes the thief', this saying taps into a long-standing philosophical debate about whether sin originates from inherent human wickedness or from the temptations presented by circumstance. The proverb argues strongly for the power of the latter.

Rhetorical Devices

Personification

The core device is the personification of 'Opportunity', 'Night', and 'Midnight' as a 'bawd'. This transforms an abstract concept into a vivid, scheming character, making the proverb's warning more dramatic and memorable.

Metaphor

The proverb functions as a powerful metaphor where 'whoredom' represents all forms of vice and corruption, and the 'bawd' symbolizes any facilitating condition, giving the saying a broad moral application.

Dysphemism

The term 'bawd' is a form of dysphemism, using a deliberately provocative and sordid term to characterize 'opportunity', thereby intensifying the moral condemnation of yielding to temptation.