Meaning & Analysis
Do not select a wife or purchase linen fabric in the dim and flattering light of a candle, as this type of lighting can easily hide imperfections in both.
Insights
Deceptive Appearances
The proverb is a broader warning against making any important decision based on superficial, incomplete, or misleading information. 'Candle-light' symbolizes any condition that obscures the true nature of a person or situation.
The Importance of Scrutiny
It underscores the necessity of thorough due diligence and careful scrutiny in significant matters. Just as one would inspect valuable fabric in clear daylight, one must evaluate important choices under the most honest and transparent conditions possible.
Hidden Flaws
The proverb warns that initial impressions can be misleading and that hidden flaws, whether in a person's character or an object's quality, are often concealed by a carefully presented exterior. It advises looking beyond the surface before making a commitment.
Historical and Social Context
The proverb reflects a pre-industrial world where candlelight was a primary source of illumination, known for its flattering but deceptive qualities. The pairing of women with linen, a valuable household commodity, reveals a patriarchal and transactional view of marriage, where a woman's worth was assessed similarly to property.
Cultural Objectification
The juxtaposition of 'women' and 'linen' is a stark example of historical objectification, reducing a potential life partner to a commodity to be inspected for flaws. This reveals deep-seated cultural biases regarding gender roles and the valuation of women in domestic and marital contexts.
Psychological Warning
Psychologically, the proverb serves as a caution against cognitive biases, such as the 'halo effect', where a positive but superficial impression can lead to poor judgment. It advocates for rational scrutiny over emotional or sensory deception when making significant life choices.
Rhetorical Devices
Symbolism
'Candle-light' serves as a potent symbol for any form of obscurity, illusion, or partial truth that can lead to flawed judgment.
Parallelism
The parallel structure of 'neither WOMEN nor linen' creates a memorable and balanced phrase, rhetorically equating the two subjects to emphasize the singular warning about careful selection.
Juxtaposition
The striking juxtaposition of a human being ('women') with an inanimate commodity ('linen') powerfully highlights the theme of objectification and the transactional nature of marriage in the historical context.
Transcription
Quotations
Choose not a woman, nor linnen clothe by the candle.
Neither a woman, nor lynnen, chuse thou by a candle.
By candle light we should not cheapen, Jewels, linnen cloth, or women.
Hee that chuses a wife by candle-light, or by other eyes than his owne, may perhaps be fouly deceiued.
(candle).
(by the candle light).
Here comes Mavis, a worse face then shee! you would not like this, by candle-light.
Chuse not a woman, nor a linnen cloth, by a candle.
Choose neither jewel, linnen, nor a woman by candle light.
Neither women nor linnen by candle-light. *Ital.
Never chuse Linen nor Women by Candle-Light.
Fine linen, girls and gold so bright. Chuse not to take by candle light.
Women and linen shew best by candlelight.
Cross References
- See DÜR., II, no. 607.
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
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