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.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional and psychological peak occurs when the speaker’s obsessive pursuit of the divine rose fragrance…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingKey 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.
