Keep thy foot out of brothels, thy hand out of plackets, thy pen from lenders' books, and defy the foul fiend

Keep thy foot out of brothels, thy hand out of plackets, thy pen from lenders' books, and defy the foul fiend

In the context of William Shakespeare's works, the quote "Keep thy foot out of brothels, thy hand out of plackets, thy pen from lenders' books, and defy the foul fiend" can be seen as a reflection of the moral values and societal norms of the time. Shakespeare's plays often explore themes of morality, temptation, and the consequences of succumbing to vice.

The first part of the quote, "Keep thy foot out of brothels," speaks to the dangers of indulging in lust and sexual temptation. In Shakespeare's plays, characters who give in to their base desires often meet tragic ends. For example, in "Othello," the titular character's jealousy and insecurity lead him to murder his wife, Desdemona, ultimately resulting in his own downfall. By warning against visiting brothels, Shakespeare is cautioning against the destructive power of unchecked desire.

The second part of the quote, "thy hand out of plackets," can be interpreted as a warning against theft or dishonesty. Plackets were small pockets or pouches that were often used to store valuables, making them a symbol of temptation and greed. Characters in Shakespeare's plays who engage in deceit or theft, such as Iago in "Othello" or Edmund in "King Lear," are often portrayed as villains who meet tragic fates. By advising against putting one's hand in plackets, Shakespeare is urging his audience to resist the temptation to act dishonestly.

The third part of the quote, "thy pen from lenders' books," suggests that one should avoid getting into debt or engaging in financial schemes. In Shakespeare's time, borrowing money was often associated with moral weakness or irresponsibility. Characters who fall into debt, such as Antonio in "The Merchant of Venice," often face dire consequences. By advising against borrowing from lenders, Shakespeare is cautioning against the dangers of financial irresponsibility.

Finally, the quote concludes with the command to "defy the foul fiend," which can be interpreted as a call to resist temptation and evil influences. Throughout his plays, Shakespeare explores the struggle between good and evil, often portraying characters who must choose between virtue and vice. By urging his audience to defy the foul fiend, Shakespeare is encouraging them to resist temptation and uphold their moral principles.

Overall, the quote "Keep thy foot out of brothels, thy hand out of plackets, thy pen from lenders' books, and defy the foul fiend" reflects Shakespeare's belief in the importance of moral integrity and the consequences of succumbing to temptation. Through his plays, Shakespeare explores the complexities of human nature and the eternal struggle between good and evil, urging his audience to strive for virtue and resist the temptations that can lead to downfall.