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Irony
Definition of Metaphor
A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things by saying that one thing is the other. The comparison in a metaphor can be stated explicitly, as... read full definition
A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things by saying that one thing is the other. The comparison in a metaphor... read full definition
A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things by saying that one thing is the other... read full definition
Act 1, Scene 2
Explanation and Analysis—Banquet Of Love:
In his initial attempts to seduce Hellena in the second scene of Act 1, Willmore expresses his desire to be the first attendee of her banquet of love. This metaphor, which compares sex to a banquet, is one of many instances in the play where characters refer to love and lovemaking with euphemisms surrounding food and meals.
Oh, I long to come first to the banquet of love! and such a swinging appetite I bring – Oh I’m impatient.
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Explanation and Analysis—Willmore's Bouquet:
In the second scene of Act 1, Willmore metaphorically refers to the women around him as roses. As referenced in the stage directions, a number of women "dressed like courtesans, with papers pinned on their breasts, and baskets of flowers in their hands" have just come on stage. The Englishmen discuss the women, and Willmore tries to get their attention:
Unlock with LitCharts A+WILLMORE Kind, and obliging to inform us – Pray where do these roses grow? I would fain plant some of ’em in a bed of mine.
WOMAN Beware such roses, sir.
WILLMORE A pox of fear: I’ll be baked with thee between a pair of sheets, and that’s thy proper still; so I might but strew such roses over me, and under me – fair one, would you would give me leave to gather at your bush this idle month; I would go near to make somebody smell of it all the year after.
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Act 2, Scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—Love As Disease:
In the first scene of Act 2, Angelica and Moretta stand on the balcony and gaze out at the men who gaze at Angelica's portrait. Angelica expresses her opinion that all men are inconstant, and that she is therefore "resolved that nothing but gold shall charm [her] heart." Moretta responds with approval, metaphorically comparing love to a disease:
Unlock with LitCharts A+I’m glad on’t; ’tis only interest that women of our profession ought to consider: though I wonder what has kept you from that general disease of our sex so long, I mean that of being in love.
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Act 3, Scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—Banquet Of Love:
In his initial attempts to seduce Hellena in the second scene of Act 1, Willmore expresses his desire to be the first attendee of her banquet of love. This metaphor, which compares sex to a banquet, is one of many instances in the play where characters refer to love and lovemaking with euphemisms surrounding food and meals.
Unlock with LitCharts A+Oh, I long to come first to the banquet of love! and such a swinging appetite I bring – Oh I’m impatient.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—The Honey Of Matrimony:
In the first scene of Act 3, Willmore returns to the other Englishmen after have sex with Angelica. As he boasts about his success to his friends, Willmore reveals that Angelica even gave him money. Having misunderstood, Blunt asks if they got married, and Willmore responds using a beekeeping metaphor:
Unlock with LitCharts A+BLUNT But hark’ee Sir, you are not married are you?
WILLMORE All the honey of matrimony, but none of the sting, friend.
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Act 3, Scene 3
Explanation and Analysis—Catching Flies:
In the third scene of Act 3, Willmore comes across Florinda in her garden at night and attempts to sexually assault her. When she says that she will cry "Rape!" if he continues, he accuses her of plotting to trap men by way of a spider metaphor:
Unlock with LitCharts A+A rape! Come, come, you lie, you baggage, you lie, what, I’ll warrant you would fain have the world believe now that you are not so forward as I. No, not you – why at this time of night was your cobweb door set open dear spider – but to catch flies?
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Act 3, Scene 4
Explanation and Analysis—Boarding The Ship:
In the fourth scene of Act 3, Willmore uses a maritime metaphor to express his jealousy over seeing Antonio pay Angelica a visit. This metaphor is relevant to Willmore's recent experiences, as he was at sea for a long time before reaching Naples.
Unlock with LitCharts A+How is this! a picaroon going to board my frigate! Here’s one chase-gun for you.
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Act 4, Scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—Fortune's Smiles & Tricks:
In the first scene of Act 4, the audience finds Belvile imprisoned in Antonio's house after he's been wrongly accused of injuring Antonio in a sword fight. Arrested for Willmore's crimes, Belvile fears that he will now be unable to find Florinda before she's married off to Antonio. The scene opens with a soliloquy in which Belvile personifies fortune as he bemoans his bad luck:
Unlock with LitCharts A+When shall I be weary of railing on Fortune, who is resolved never to turn with smiles upon me?
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Act 4, Scene 3
Explanation and Analysis—Boarding The Ship:
In the fourth scene of Act 3, Willmore uses a maritime metaphor to express his jealousy over seeing Antonio pay Angelica a visit. This metaphor is relevant to Willmore's recent experiences, as he was at sea for a long time before reaching Naples.
Unlock with LitCharts A+How is this! a picaroon going to board my frigate! Here’s one chase-gun for you.
Related Themes:
