Outcast - “The Young Children’s Book”
Furnivall writes, "Whoso will thrive must be courteous, and learn the virtues in his youth, or in his age he is outcast among men." The metaphoric outcast underscores the import of courteousness. Deficiency of courtesy renders one undesirable before others. Children ought to be enlightened about the significance of the attribute from when they are young.
Foe - “How the Wise Man Taught his Son”
The wise man advises, "My son, wherever you go, be not full of tales, beware what you say, for your own tongue may be your foe. If you say aught, take good heed where and to whom, for a word spoken to-day may be repented seven years after." Equating words to a likely foe establishes that the words could result in adverse impacts comparable to those ones caused by enemies. Cautiousness should be sustained in all utterances for they could be utterly destructive.
Churls - “The Babees’ Book”
Furnivall recommends, “And if strangers be set at table with you, and savoury meat be brought or sent to you, make them good cheer with part of it, for certainly it is not polite when others be present at meat with you, to keep all that is brought you, and like churls vouchsafe nothing to others.” Furnivall endorses emulating the churls by avoiding promises which one is not certain about. Vouchsafing is risky; hence, it is commendable to avoid it like the peasants to limit the liability which would ensue due to nonfulfillment.
Blind - “Hugh Rhode’s Book of Nurture and School of Good Manners”
Hugh Rhodes states, “I am blind in poet’s art, thereof I have no skill/All eloquence I put part, and follow mine own will.” The metaphorical blindness underscores Rhodes’ lack of poet skills. Accordingly, Rhodes expresses thoughts ordinarily without upholding eloquence Rhode’s objective is to uphold clarity and communicate thoughts in line with the will.
Plant - “Hugh Rhode’s Book of Nurture and School of Good Manners”
Rhodes remarks, “A plant without moisture may not bring forth his flower; If youth be void of virtue, in age shall lack honour.” Here, Rhodes parallels a plant’s life to a youth’s life whereby a plant connotes a youth who is developing physically and morally. Moisture is representative of virtues which will contribute to a youth’s honourableness. Flowers connote the honour which a youth would enjoy as a result of being virtuous.
