The venom clamours of a jealous woman, Poisons more deadly…
““The venom clamours of a jealous woman, Poisons more deadly than a mad dog’s tooth. It seems his sleeps were hinder’d by thy railing: And thereof comes it that his head is light. Thou say’st his meat was sauced with thy upbraidings: Unquiet meals make ill digestions; Thereof the raging fire of fever bred; And what’s a fever but a fit of madness? Thou say’st his sports were hinder’d by thy brawls: Sweet recreation barr’d, what doth ensue But moody and dull melancholy, Kinsman to grim and comfortless despair; And at her heels a huge infectious troop Of pale distemperatures and foes to life? In food, in sport, and life-preserving rest To be disturb’d, would mad or man or beast: The consequence is, then, thy jealous fits Have scared thy husband from the use of wits.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Jealousy poisons the mind, causing illness and madness, disrupting daily life and joy
In simple terms: Jealousy harms health and happiness
Beware jealousy’s corrosive effects on mind and body
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- Marriage counseling
- conflict resolution training
- mental health awareness
- literary analysis
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can jealousy be managed constructively?
- What signs indicate jealousy turning toxic?
The metaphor may exaggerate jealousy’s physical impact, ignoring rational coping strategies