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Poetry · Chapter
CXXXIII explained
A brief chapter suggesting that taunting an obstinate husband is permissible, comparing it to biting a balky horse's ears to make it move.
What happens
A brief chapter suggesting that taunting an obstinate husband is permissible, comparing it to biting a balky horse's ears to make it move.
Key passages
“Taunts are allowable in the case of an obstinate husband: balky horses may best be made to go by having their ears bitten.”
It is acceptable to use taunts against a stubborn husband, just as biting a horse's ears can motivate it to move.
The chapter uses a metaphor comparing a stubborn husband to a balky horse, suggesting that harsh words can be an effective motivator.