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To a crafty man, a crafty and an halfe.

“To a crafty man, a crafty and an halfe.” quote by George Herbert
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“To a crafty man, a crafty and an halfe.”

George Herbert

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The line plays on the word “crafty,” contrasting a clever person with a clever animal, highlighting the ambiguity of skill and nature.

In simple terms: Wordplay contrasts human cleverness with animal instinct.

Key Takeaway

Notice how language can shift meaning.

Themes

language wordplay contrast

Mood

playful analytical

Type

literary humorous

When to use this quote

  • poetry reading
  • language teaching
  • creative writing

Key Concepts

literary analysis semantics

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does “crafty” imply about nature?
  • How does wordplay affect interpretation?
A Different Perspective

The pun may confuse rather than clarify.

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