Meaning:
A woman rejected by her lover is liable to seek revenge on him
Background:
This expression is often attributed to late 17th century English dramatist
William Congreve (see below), but the concept of the vengeful scorned woman
dates back at least as far as 400 BC as seen in Euripides' most famous play,
Medea. Medea, betrayed by her husband who she sacrificed everything for,
unleashes a horrific vengeance on her enemies, making both assassins and victims
of her own children.
William Congreve, in The Mourning Bride, 1697:
As you'll answer it, take heed
This Slave commit no Violence upon
Himself. I've been deceiv'd. The Publick Safety
Requires he should be more confin'd; and none,
No not the Princes self, permitted to
Confer with him. I'll quit you to the King.
Vile and ingrate! too late thou shalt repent
The base Injustice thou hast done my Love:
Yes, thou shalt know, spite of thy past Distress,
And all those Ills which thou so long hast mourn'd;
Heav'n has no Rage, like Love to Hatred turn'd,
Nor Hell a Fury, like a Woman scorn'd.
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Is it for fear of such worse and more numerous Furies that men comply with or
have to have women's rights?
