Meaning & Analysis
To seek a reconsideration or reversal of a decision made by someone while they were intoxicated, hoping for a fairer judgment when they are sober.
Insights
Sober Judgment
The proverb suggests that decisions made in a state of passion, clouded judgment, or irrationality should be reconsidered when reason and clarity return, advocating for the value of sober reflection over impulsive action.
Accountability and Appeal
It figuratively encourages the pursuit of justice by appealing to a person's better nature or sound mind, especially when wronged by a momentary lapse or error.
Historical Symbolism
The proverb refers to a story about King Philip II of Macedon, notorious for making rash decisions while drunk. The practice of appealing from 'Philip drunk' to 'Philip sober' became a symbol for seeking redress from flawed authority or impetuous rulings.
Psychological Insight
It reflects an understanding of the duality within individuals—the capacity for both folly and wisdom—reminding us that character and reason can prevail over transient moods or conditions.
Universal Application
Beyond literal drunkenness, the proverb has been used to caution against any hasty decisions made in anger, excitement, or confusion, and to emphasize the importance of reconsideration and appeals processes in law, leadership, and daily life.
Rhetorical Devices
Antithesis
The opposition of 'Philip drunk' and 'Philip sober' sharpens the proverb's meaning, dramatizing the stark difference between judgment clouded by vice and one guided by reason.
Allusion
The proverb draws on classical and historical sources, lending it authority and embedding it in a tradition of moral anecdotes.
Paronomasia
The repetition of 'Philip' in contrasting states underscores the internal conflict within a single person, using verbal echo for rhetorical effect.
Transcription
Quotations
A poure woman, agayne whom the same kynge had gyuen iugement . . cried, I appele . . To whom appelist thou? said the kyng. I appele, said she, from the, nowe beinge dronke, to kynge Philip the sobre.
King Philip—after hee had giuen iudgement vppon a time, against a poore widow-woman: she aunswered streight . . I appeale to King Philip, which is now drunke: that when he is sober, he returne to giue sentence.
I appeale to Papius when hee is sober, to debate the dissention.
Let mee but appeale to Philip of Macedon, when hee is drunke, to Philip of Macedon, when he is sober.
Shakespeare Citations
To thee, to thee, my heav'd-up hands appeal, Not to seducing lust, thy rash relier! I sue for exil'd majesty's repeal.
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
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