essay on friends and flatterers

Friends and Flatterers by William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare’s “Friends and Flatterers” makes us knowledgeable in being able to distinguish between good friends who always wish the best for us and lousy company who are actually our foes in disguise, wishing for us to go on the wrong track. Friendships are some of the most important relationships humans make in their lifetime. Through the camaraderie of friends, one grows and evolves and learns the art of loving selflessly and, most importantly, the art of living to the fullest.

As goes the common proverb, “A man is known by the company he keeps,” which is a universal truth because if a person falls into the wrong companionship, life becomes terrible as hell. Haven’t our parents warned us from time to time about the dangers of having bad friends and how important it is to surround ourselves with good people? This understanding is the main thematic content of William Shakespeare’s poem.

William Shakespeare is one of English Literature’s most well-known figures whose writings still continue to reign the minds of academicians and literature enthusiasts. Shakespeare’s timeless plays, awe-inspiring sonnets, heart-warming poems are considered iconic classics of English literature. Such is the beauty of Shakespearean words that they thread the reality of life even today.

• Read the full poem “Friends and Flatterers” below:

The poem “Friends and Flatterers” begins with how true friends do not flatter us with false words because words are always easy while actual acts of service are not. The lines talk about how people can be fair-weather friends, that is, they are friends with us only when the time is good or when we have a lot of money to spend in good times. These kinds of friends, however, when times are bad, would leave us soon enough. They do not once look back to how we are doing or going through our hard times.

Finding trustworthy, faithful friends is a scarce situation since they are tough to find. They are the ones who would stick with us through thick and thin, through good days and bad. Understanding this difference is extremely important to trace how our lives would turn out to be. Shakespeare’s poem preaches this universal truth.

“Friends and Flatterers” describes how to differentiate between friends and enemies. The “certain signs” that tell us how to do so should be given attention so that we can have meaningful experiences in our lives. Then we can live fully in the companionship of our true friends. Through the poem, Shakespeare tells us how bad friends feed upon our darker sides or impulses, pushing us in the wrong direction. So acting upon their flattery can ruin our lives forever.

On the other hand, true friends would comfort us on our most miserable days, be with us and guide us towards the light present inside of us, taking us out from the darkness. They would highlight the good and positive aspects of our character. In their presence, we will have happiness plentiful in our lives.

Form, Rhyme Scheme, & Meter

The poem “Friends and Flatterers” consists of seven quatrains: each stanza having four internally rhyming lines. The speaker of the poem is the poet himself. His poetic persona and authority emerge from his profound wisdom, which he imparts to his readers as a piece of universal advice. He uses the second-person point of view to address the readers in the beginning directly. Then he jumps to the third-person perspective to counselling humankind (as a whole) against having unlikely company, leading us to our ruins. Besides, this piece is written in a regular meter and rhyme scheme that brings out a lyrical quality.

Rhyme Scheme

The quatrains have the AABB rhyme scheme, which means that the last words of the first and second lines and the last words of the third and fourth lines rhyme with one another. When two lines end with a similar rhyme, it is also called a couplet. Therefore, each stanza consists of two couplets. This pertains to all the stanzas in the poem, thus creating a sing-song-like effect throughout. Let’s have a look at the rhyming pair of words from each stanza:

• Stanza One: “thee” and “misery”; “wind” and “find.”
• Stanza Two: “friend” and “spend”; “scant” and “want.”
• Stanza Three: “prodigal” and “call”; “flattering” and “king.”
• Stanza Four: “vice” and “entice”; “bent” and “commandement.”
• Stanza Five: “frown” and “renown”; “before” and “more.”
• Stanza Six: “indeed” and “need”; “weep” and “sleep.”
• Stanza Seven: “heart” and “part”; “know” and “foe.”

The knowledge of poetic meter helps us to understand how to read or sound while reading a text. Shakespeare’s “Friends and Flatterers” is written in a regular meter. Each line of the text contain seven syllables; for instance, “Eve-ry one that flat-ters thee.” While reading, we have to stress (pronounce forcefully) the first syllable of each line.

Then, we have to leave the next syllable unstressed, and the following syllable will be stressed. In this way, we can find each line has three iambs or iambic feet; an iamb/ iambic foot contains an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed one. The first stressed syllable would be taken as a separate foot, which is called an acephalous foot. So, the overall poem is written in iambic tetrameter ; the rhythm is: “ dum / da- dum / da- dum / da- dum .”

This scheme has to be continued until the end, creating a beautiful rhythm while reciting the text aloud. Let’s have a look at the scansion of the poem. The bold syllables are stressed, and the rest is unstressed. While reading, keep the scanned text open; it would make the reading more exciting.

Eve /-ry one / that flat /-ters thee Is / no friend / in mi /-se- ry . Words / are ea /-sy, like / the wind ; Faith/ -ful friends / are hard / to find : (pronounce “wind” as “waind”; in Shakespeare’s time, some words have such peculiar pronunciation.) Eve /-ry man / will be / thy friend Whilst / thou hast / where- with / to spend ; But / if store / of crowns / be scant , No / man will / sup- ply / thy want . If / that one / be pro /-di- gal , Boun /-ti- ful / they will / him call , And / with such /-like flat /-ter- ing , ‘ Pi /-ty but / he were / a king ;’ If / he be / ad- dict / to vice , Quick /-ly him / they will / en- tice ; If / to wo /-men he / be bent , They / have at / com- man /-de- ment : But / if For /-tune once / do frown , Then / fare- well / his great / re- nown They / that fawn’d / on him / be- fore Use / his com /-pa- ny / no more . He / that is / thy friend / in- deed , He / will help / thee in / thy need : If / thou sor /-row, he / will weep ; If / thou wake ,/ he can /-not sleep ; Thus / of eve /-ry grief / in heart He / with thee / doth bear / a part . These / are cer /-tain signs / to know Faith /-ful friend / from flat /-t(e)ring foe . (pronounce “flat-ter-ing” as “flat-tring”; dropping a vowel sound is called elision .)

Poetic Devices & Figures of Speech

Shakespeare, the old master of poetry, is known for his exceptional use of figures of speech. His poetic devices have the power to make readers think, most importantly, imagine beyond the accepted perception. In “Friends and Flatterers,” Shakespeare uses such exciting devices that are worth mentioning below:

When two things are compared using “like,” or “as” in a line, then the poetic device is considered a simile. For instance, in the first stanza of “Friends and Flatterers,” Shakespeare compares “words” to the “wind”: “Words are easy, like the wind”. In this example, the speaker compares the flatterer’s comments (words) to as weightless (valueless) as the wind. It also occurs in the line, “And with such-like flattering”.

Metaphor is the comparison of two distant ideas or objects in an implicit manner. For instance, “store of crowns” is a metaphor for good fortune. When a person has abundant resources, every other person becomes their friend or competes to be their friend.

In the line, “They have at commandement,” Shakespeare compares the biblical Ten Commandments to social conventions. Rich people know how to bend the rules. When they do so, others consider the violation a norm or part of divine commandment.

Personification

Personification is the assigning of human characteristics to non-human beings or objects. In this poem, “Fortune” (luck), an abstract idea, is personified to say if Fortune is not in a person’s favour, all his fair-weather friends would desert him and run to the fortunate ones. The poet also implicitly personifies “renown” or fame in the line, “Then farewell his great renown.” Another abstract idea (fame) is compared to a human being.

Alliteration

The repetition of similar sounds (consonants or vowels) at the beginning of neighbouring words is called alliteration. In “Friends and Flatterers,” it occurs in a number of instances that include:

• “ th at flatters th ee” (line 1)
• “ F aithful f riends” (line 4)
• “ h ast wh erewith” (line 6)
• “he b e b ent” (line 15)
• “ Th ey th at fawn’d” (line 19)
• “He th at is th y” (line 21)
• “help th ee in th y” (line 22)
• “ th ee d oth” (line 26)
• “ c ertain s igns” (line 27)
• “ F aithful f riend f rom f lattering f oe.” (line 28)

In line 28, all the words begin with the “f” sound; it is also an example of consonance.

In the third stanza, “If that one be prodigal,” could be an allusion to the Parable of the Prodigal Son in the Bible. Generally, an allusion is an indirect reference to another literary work, author, historical event, etc. The term “prodigal” comes from Latin prodigus meaning “lavish”.

In the parable, a father has two sons. The younger son requests his part of the inheritance from the father. Being prodigal or extravagant, he wastes his fortune and returns home empty-handed. Upon return, his father accepts him back with open-heartedness. In this poem, Shakespeare warns readers not to be like the prodigal son in Christ’s parable.

In the fourth stanza, “They have at commandement,” is another biblical allusion, used in a humorous way. It is a reference to the Ten Commandments.

Inversion or Hyperbaton

Shakespeare deviates from general rules of sentence pattern in “Friends and Flatterers.” He inverts the accepted placement of parts of speech for the sake of internal rhyming and metrical pattern. This feature is a stylistic aspect of poetry. For instance, the line, “Bountiful they will him call,” can be read as “They will call him bountiful.” The exact figure of speech is applied to the following lines:

• “Quickly him they will entice;”
• “If to women he be bent,”
• “Then farewell his great renown”

In the sixth stanza, the first two lines begin with the same word, “He.” It is a use of anaphora. It also occurs in the following two lines beginning with the phrase “If thou”. It is meant for the sake of readers’ attention.

He that is thy friend indeed, He will help thee in thy need: If thou sorrow, he will weep; If thou wake, he cannot sleep;

Shakespeare uses this device in several instances. It is used to refer to an incident that seems deliberately contrary to our expectations. For instance, the speaker says, “Every man will be thy friend”, and the argument is supported by the ironic remark, “Whilst thou hast wherewith to spend.”

The exaggerated statements of flatterers, such as “Pity but he were a king” and the speaker’s satirical remark, “They have at commandement,” contain the use of this device.

An epigram is a short, pithy remark expressing an underlying truth in a clever and amusing manner. In this poem, the speaker epigrammatically notes:

Line-by-Line Analysis and Explanation

Every one that flatters thee Is no friend in misery. Words are easy, like the wind; Faithful friends are hard to find:

In the first stanza of “Friends and Flatterers,” the speaker says that flatterers can never be one’s actual friends who would stay by one’s side in misery. They praise us in order to gain something, but true friends always speak the truth. That’s why “Faithful friends” are a rare find since not many people can give up selfishness to become genuine friends; as Aristotle says, “All flatterers are mercenary, and all low-minded men are flatterers.”

Every man will be thy friend Whilst thou hast wherewith to spend; But if store of crowns be scant, No man will supply thy want.

The speaker once again warns against people who surround us when we have plenty to spend. He says that when we have resources to spend on useless things, some people will always be our comrades. They will encourage and support us to spend more until, at last, we have nothing left. After eating up on our good times, they desert us and find another host. They will never support the one they left behind even though he had supported them with “store of crowns.” Crown is a British coin with a face value of five shillings or 25 pence, minted during the Elizabethan period. The phrase “store of crowns” symbolises wealth and riches.

If that one be prodigal, Bountiful they will him call, And with such-like flattering, ‘Pity but he were a king;’

The first line of this stanza alludes to the story of the “Prodigal Son” in the Bible. The prodigal son had fair-weather friends that flattered him all the time and treated him as a king, but the moment he lost his father’s wealth, all their flattery and praise vanished. They left the person alone to dwell in his miserable condition.

With the allusion to the prodigal son, the speaker describes how the fawners call one “Bountiful” or generous if he is a spendthrift or prodigal. Their greed does not end here. They even wish such a man to be a king. Then they would receive favour from that person with their selfish sweet-talk.

Lines 13-16

If he be addict to vice, Quickly him they will entice; If to women he be bent, They have at commandement:

If a man has an inclination towards vice or wrongdoing, the boasting friends would entice him further upon those dark paths and not prevent him. They would trap, eventually leading him to move along that path that would eventually lead him to his own moral destruction. If that man becomes fond of women, the fiendish friends will support him to have him under the control of sensual pleasure. They would say that such behaviour is accepted in their commandment or moral standards. In this way, they push the person even closer to the edge of the dismal abyss of moral declination.

Lines 17-20

But if Fortune once do frown, Then farewell his great renown They that fawn’d on him before Use his company no more.

Shakespeare personifies the abstract idea of “Fortune” in the first line and says that if luck turns away from the person, all his renown immediately vanishes. All the flattery, the compliments, the praises he grew used to are muted suddenly. Those who were there fawning upon his generosity do no longer cross his path. Their fondness for the person evaporates along with the reduction of his resources.

Lines 21-24

The poet draws clear distinctions between friends and flatterers from this stanza onwards. He shows what genuine friends would do when the person runs out of luck or is in grave need of help. According to him, one’s true friends will always help them in their needs. They will feel the same and sympathise with the friend in sorrow. They cannot sleep if their friend is awake out of misery and helplessness. True friends will always be there to comfort and help those in need.

In this way, Shakespeare asks by addressing his readers to realise the importance of true friendship. In a manner, our parents are our all-weather friends who feel the same as described in the poem. It can be anyone who understands the real meaning of “friendship,” be it the dog wagging its tail to be loved or a bird coming each day, tweeting the same lyrics for a bit of grain.

Lines 25-28

Thus of every grief in heart He with thee doth bear a part. These are certain signs to know Faithful friend from flattering foe.

The last stanza is a continuation of the idea in the previous stanza. Shakespeare describes how true friends carry their fellow friend’s burdens to make things easier for them. They not only try to be part of our happy moments but also try to have a share of our sad thoughts. According to the speaker, these are “certain signs” that can help one distinguish friends from flatterers. In the last line, he hints at the fact that a fair-weather friend is nothing but a “flattering foe.” One has to be cautious to forge friendships with such sweet-talking foes.

“Friends and Flatterers” imparts wisdom about true and false friends. The main themes of the poem are genuine friendship, flattery, and perception versus reality. Through this poem, Shakespeare describes how friends and flatterers (fair-weather friends) behave differently in particular situations in life. A person should notice those changes to figure out which friendships to keep and cherish throughout life. They need to cut off temporary relationships with fawners to eliminate negativity. In this way, Shakespeare provides both a warning and a piece of advice which is why the poem is so important to be read until today, even though it was written centuries back.

Historical Background

The poet of “Friends and Flatterers,” William Shakespeare, was active during the 16th-century. He was a prominent figure of the Elizabethan Renaissance. His writing is considered canonical. All his works have been read, interpreted, and appreciated by multiple people across the centuries. He was the man behind the famous Globe Theatre in London, where all his famous tragedies and plays were officially staged. This Shakespearean poem is the source of several modern-day sayings that people often use. Though it was written in the 16th-century, its appeal has never been shrouded.

Questions and Answers

William Shakespeare’s poem “Friends and Flatterers” imparts the moral lesson that a friend in need is a friend indeed. The poet describes how to differentiate a true friend from a sweet-talking foe.

According to the poet, trustworthy friends are those who stand by us on our good as well as bad days. They never desert us during moments of trouble or times of dire need.

The mood of the speaker remains calm, compassionate, and humorous throughout the poem. He teaches us the art of differentiating real friends from fair-weather flatterers.

We should not ever trust a flattering friend like a real friend as they use us for their advantage and derail us from morality. When their need dries up, they desert us coldly without looking back once.

According to the poet, flatterers are not friends in need. Their praise is as transitory as the wind.

The words of flatterers are compared to the “wind” as like the wind in fair weather; it does not last long. They ride along with us as long as we have resources to share. When their need dries up, they instantly desert us without a second thought.

The true intent of the poem is to educate readers about “certain signs” that help us to differentiate a faithful friend from a flattering enemy. The last two lines of “Friends and Flatterers” does it efficiently.

The term “flattering foe” hints at the fact that those who spill sweet words in our good times are none other than our enemies, waiting to show our catastrophe. They somehow lead us to our own moral destruction.

Shakespeare says there are a number of signs to know a “flattering foe”: they use our wealth, give company for their own benefits, and maroon us at the slightest hint of misfortune.

When our luck turns terrible, flatterers stop to praise us—those who flattered us before now leave our company without a second thought.

In “Friends and Flatterers,” Shakespeare personifies “Fortune.” He says, if Fortune becomes displeased (frowns) or refrain from favouring us, the sweet-talking, so-called friends avoid our company.

The “store of crowns” is a symbol of wealth, resourcefulness, and fortune. In Shakespeare’s time, crowns were used as currency. So, the “store of crowns” literally means one’s good fortune.

If one is prodigal or wasteful, the flatterers would call them bountiful. They would further wish him to be a king.

When a person becomes rich or extravagant, flatterers become his friends. They will always be there for him as long as he has money.

A “friend in misery” means one who stands by us in our sorrow. At times of grave need, true friends are always there to share our pain and comfort us.

The Parable of the Prodigal Son has several morals. One of them is how false friends desert the youngest son (who is prodigal or extravagant) to fend for himself during his dark times. When he had his father’s wealth, they fawned him. But, when his share went down, there was only his father to take him out of his misery.

Similar Poems with Life Lessons

• “ Our revels now are ended ” by William Shakespeare — This soliloquy is regarded as Shakespeare’s “retirement speech”, in which he talks about the brevity of life and the inevitability of death.
• “ Flower on the Road ” by Chitra Padmanabhan — This poem teaches us how nobody is less important in this big frame of humankind. Everyone has their part to play.
• “ Fear ” by Khalil Gibran — This poem is about overcoming fear, which is presented through the metaphors of a river and the vast ocean.
• “ The Huntsman ” by Edward Lowbury — This piece is about the importance of commonsense and the consequences of unmindful talking.
• “ On Another’s Sorrow ” by William Blake — This poem is about divine compassion and empathy.

External Resources

• Who was William Shakespeare? — Explore more about Shakespeare and his works.
• Biography of Shakespeare — Learn more about the poet’s life.
• Poet Profile & Poems of William Shakespeare — Explore the poet’s profile and some of his well-known poems.

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Our revels now are ended by William Shakespeare

“Our revels now are ended” appears in Act 4, Scene 1 of The Tempest. Critics regard this soliloquy as Shakespeare’s “retirement speech”.

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Friends and Flatterers Summary & Analysis by William Shakespeare

Summary & analysis of friends and flatterers .

William Shakespeare’s poem Friends and Flatterers makes us knowledgeable in being able to distinguish between good friends who always wish the best for us and lousy company who are actually our foes in disguise, wishing for us to go on the wrong track. Friendships are some of the most important relationships humans make in their lifetime.

Through the camaraderie of friends, one grows and evolves and learns the art of loving selflessly and, most importantly, the art of living to the fullest. As goes the common proverb, “A man is known by the company he keeps,” which is a universal truth because if a person falls into the wrong companionship, life becomes terrible as hell. Haven’t our parents warned us from time to time about the dangers of having bad friends and how important it is to surround ourselves with good people? This understanding is the main thematic content of William Shakespeare’s poem.

Main Summary of the Poem Friends and Flatterers  

The poem Friends and Flatterers says about true friends and flattery friends.  The poet makes the difference between these two types of friends.  He warns about those friends who flatter and would not stand by you when you are in difficulty.  He says how it is easy to impress a person by flattering words.  But it is not easy to find a genuine friend who will shoulder you during a difficult time.  The false friends will enjoy life when they have wealth.  But they will go away from the same person when they lose their wealth. 

It’s a piece of great advice by the great poet.  When a person is generous, he would be supported and get a good crowd around him praising him as king.  But when he suffers from sorrow they would leave him.  Thus the poet gives awareness of false friends and honest friends. The poem ‘Friends and Flatterers’ is written by William Shakespeare, who is considered the greatest playwright of all time. The speaker warns the reader not to fall prey to flatterers and one should know one’s worth to avoid becoming a victim of flattery.

General Meaning of The Poem

“Friends and Flatterers” describes how to differentiate between friends and enemies. The “certain signs” that tell us how to do so should be given attention so that we can have meaningful experiences in our lives. Then we can live fully in the companionship of our true friends. Through the poem, Shakespeare tells us how bad friends feed upon our darker sides or impulses, pushing us in the wrong direction. So acting upon their flattery can ruin our lives forever.

On the other hand, true friends would comfort us on our most miserable days, be with us and guide us towards the light present inside of us, taking us out from the darkness. They would highlight the good and positive aspects of our character. In their presence, we will have happiness plentiful in our lives.

Historical Background

The poet of “Friends and Flatterers,” William Shakespeare, was active during the 16th-century. He was a prominent figure of the Elizabethan Renaissance. His writing is considered canonical. All his works have been read, interpreted, and appreciated by multiple people across the centuries. He was the man behind the famous Globe Theatre in London, where all his famous tragedies and plays were officially staged. This Shakespearean poem is the source of several modern-day sayings that people often use. Though it was written in the 16th-century, its appeal has never been shrouded.

The theme of Friends and Flatterers

“Friends and Flatterers” imparts wisdom about true and false friends. The main themes of the poem are genuine friendship, flattery, and perception versus reality. Through this poem, Shakespeare describes how friends and flatterers (fair-weather friends) behave differently in particular situations in life. A person should notice those changes to figure out which friendships to keep and cherish throughout life. They need to cut off temporary relationships with fawners to eliminate negativity. In this way, Shakespeare provides both a warning and a piece of advice which is why the poem is so important to be read until today, even though it was written centuries back.

About the Writer of Friends and Flatterers

William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet and regarded as the greatest writer and greatest dramatist. He is called the National poet of England and the Bard of Avon. His works consist of 39 plays, 154 sonnets, three long narrative poems and a few other verses. His works have been translated into many languages.

Shakespeare was born in Stratford – upon-Avon, Warwickshire.  He is educated at the king’s New School in Stratford.   At the age of 18, he married Anne Hathaway 26 years old and had three children. In 1592, he began his career in London as an actor and writer.  At the age of 49, he retired three years after he died. 

Shakespeare is known for his works between 1589 and 1613.  His earlier plays were comedies and histories. They are the best works of Shakespeare. Then he tried in tragedies.  Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, Othello, King Lear and Macbeth are known to be the finest works of Shakespeare. Shakespeare is one of English Literature’s most well-known figures whose writings still continue to reign the minds of academicians and literature enthusiasts. Shakespeare’s timeless plays, awe-inspiring sonnets, heart-warming poems are considered iconic classics of English literature. Such is the beauty of Shakespearean words that they thread the reality of life even today.

Shakespeare died at the age of 52 on 23rd April 1616.  He died after signing his will. He was buried in the Holy Trinity Church.   His grave, next to Anne Shakespeare his wife and Thomas Nash the husband of his granddaughter.

Detail analysis of Friends and Flatterers Poem

“Every one that flatters thee Is no friend in misery. Words are easy, like the wind; Faithful friends are hard to find:”

The first stanza starts with a piece of advice to those who trust all equally.  The poet says one who speaks flattery words will not extend his love and affection during misery.  Speaking flowery words are easy like the wind but they are serpent under their sweet tongue.  It is very hard to find faithful friends in life.

“Every man will be thy friend Whilst thou hast wherewith to spend; But if store of crowns be scant, No man will supply thy want.”

Again the poet warns about friends in this stanza too.   He points out all will be close to you when you spend without any limit.  They enjoy your companionship as you spend a lot.  But they will leave you when one faces hardships.  The false will not support or help his friend to get back his lost wealth and life.  This is an unfortunate situation for each and everyone who trusts his or her friend.

“If that one be prodigal, Bountiful they will him call, And with such-like flattering, 'Pity but he were a king;”

The poet in this stanza says about the false world where we can see people who act as a true friend to those who spend much on entertainment. They praise them and respect them as their king. But once they lose their wealth the false friends would show their true nature. They avoid and go away from him leaving him alone in his poverty.

“If he be addict to vice, Quickly him they will entice; If to women he be bent, They have at commandement:”

This stanza is a teaching for all of us. For it says about those who are leading a wrong lifestyle.  They have turned into such a bad life, due to the influence of their bad companions.  These evil friends introduce bad women to him to make him go worst.  They ruin his life by supplying bad female companions to whom he is attracted.

“But if Fortune once do frown, Then farewell his great renown They that fawn'd on him before Use his company no more.”

Starting straight with a piece of advice about the flattery friends that they would run away leaving you to suffer when you down with poverty and hunger.  They enjoyed all of your wealth. But in difficult times they look down upon you as their love and affection is a lie.

“He that is thy friend indeed, He will help thee in thy need: If thou sorrow, he will weep; If thou wake, he cannot sleep;”

The poet touches on the positive side of a genuine friendship.  True friends are soul companions.  They come when you need them.  They help when you are in trouble.  They feel your pain, they can understand your difficulties and they extend their hand to support you to stand up.  They will not sleep if you are awake.  Their love never dies and never stops coming after you.

“Thus of every grief in heart He with thee doth bear a part. These are certain signs to know Faithful friend from flattering foe.”

Thus every pain the friend would feel.  He is ready to share your grief.  These are the great signs to know the difference between a true friend and a false flattery friend.

Poetical Devices

“Words are easy like wind” comparing (simile) the words to wind to show how the friendship become fake with flattery words.  The way one expresses could mislead the friendship.  The words which comes from fake friends have no meaning and direction like wind. “Store of crowns” means money.  When we don’t have money the fake friends will go away from us.  The use of the language make the meaning more deep.

“If that one be prodigal” prodigal means one who spends and waste money.  The comparison would have been taken from the bible the holy book of Christians, where the parable of the prodigal son is a famous teaching of Jesus. All bad friends would crowd the person who spends with no limit. They praise and compare him to king falsely, for they know the weakness of such a person.

The poet compares the person to a prodigal son which conveys the universal message to society.

Thus the poem makes the differences between a good relationship and a fake friendship.  It’s a good message by the poet. He in a few lines has given a universal message suitable for all the ages and seasons.  One could not deny the warning and advice of the poet if he understands its meaning in the right sense.

Questions & Answer Related to Friends and Flatterers 

According to the poet, flatterers are not friends in need. Their praise is as transitory as the wind.

Why are “words” compared to “wind” in the poem “Friends and Flatterers”?

The words of flatterers are compared to the “wind” as like the wind in fair weather; it does not last long. They ride along with us as long as we have resources to share. When their need dries up, they instantly desert us without a second thought.

How do the last two lines explain the true intent of the poem?

The true intent of the poem is to educate readers about “certain signs” that help us to differentiate a faithful friend from a flattering enemy. The last two lines of “Friends and Flatterers” does it efficiently.

What is the meaning of “flattering foe”?

The term “flattering foe” hints at the fact that those who spill sweet words in our good times are none other than our enemies, waiting to show our catastrophe. They somehow lead us to our own moral destruction.

What are the signs of a “flattering foe”?

Shakespeare says there are a number of signs to know a “flattering foe”: they use our wealth, give company for their own benefits, and maroon us at the slightest hint of misfortune.

What happens to your flatterers when your luck turns bad?

When our luck turns terrible, flatterers stop to praise us—those who flattered us before now leave our company without a second thought.

What does the frown of Fortune mean? What happens when fortune frowns at a person?

In “Friends and Flatterers,” Shakespeare personifies “Fortune.” He says, if Fortune becomes displeased (frowns) or refrain from favouring us, the sweet-talking, so-called friends avoid our company.

What does the poet mean by “store of crowns”?

The “store of crowns” is a symbol of wealth, resourcefulness, and fortune. In Shakespeare’s time, crowns were used as currency. So, the “store of crowns” literally means one’s good fortune.

What would flatterers say if one is wasteful?

If one is prodigal or wasteful, the flatterers would call them bountiful. They would further wish him to be a king.

How do flatterers respond when a person becomes rich or extravagant?

When a person becomes rich or extravagant, flatterers become his friends. They will always be there for him as long as he has money.

What does the poet mean by a “friend in misery”?

A “friend in misery” means one who stands by us in our sorrow. At times of grave need, true friends are always there to share our pain and comfort us.

Why does the poet allude to the story of the Prodigal Son?

The Parable of the Prodigal Son has several morals. One of them is how false friends desert the youngest son (who is prodigal or extravagant) to fend for himself during his dark times. When he had his father’s wealth, they fawned him. But, when his share went down, there was only his father to take him out of his misery.

Additional Questions

1. Name the poet of the poem?

2. What are the differences between true and fake friends?

3. Why should we trust flattering friends?

4. What is the meaning of Wind here in the poem?

5. What are the various poetical devices in the poem?

6. When do we get Bad friends?

7. Why do they compare to the king?

8. When will one become a lonely person?

9. What happens to Prodigal Son?

10. What are the positive things about Good friendship?

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Friends and Flatterers - Class 7 New Gems English Reader - Summary, Extra Questions, Quiz & Video

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• Back Questions
• Extra Questions
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Back Exercises - Friends and Flatterers | New Gems English Reader | Literature | English | Class 7

Write the figures of speech used in these lines. 1.    Words are easy, like the wind                                                     ___________________ 2.    Faithful friend from flattering foe.                                            ___________________

Simile - "Words are easy, like the wind." The comparison of words to the wind using "like" is a simile, which highlights the ease with which words can be spoken or written, just like the wind blows effortlessly.

Alliteration - "Faithful friend from flattering foe." The repetition of the "f" sound in "faithful," "friend," "flattering," and "foe" is an example of alliteration. This literary device adds rhythm and emphasis to the line while contrasting the positive qualities of a faithful friend with the deceptive nature of a flattering foe.

Match these phrases with their meanings.

Is no friend in misery                               a. he who is truly your friend

Then farewell his great renown               b. are not seen near him any longer

Use his company no more                      c. is a partner through everything

He that is thy friend indeed                    d. Is not a friend when you are unhappy or in                                                                          trouble

He with thee doth bear a part                 e. his popularity is lost

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Fill in the blanks with because, because of, since, that or as to complete the adverb clauses of reason.

In the poem, Shakespeare says that often people become friendly ________ the wealth that one possesses.

Grandma was so excited about her party the next day ___________________ she couldn’t sleep the whole night.

We helped our neighbours ___________________ they were new to our country.

_________________ my mother is in an important meeting. I cannot disturb her.

The tourists had to stay back ___________________ a terrible storm was building up.

Complete these sentences using adverb clauses of purpose.

We breathe________________________________

Write it down______________________________________

Work hard________________________________________

Thangamma walked quickly____________________________

The travellers took a longer route _____________________________

Complete these sentences using adverb clauses of comparison indicated within brackets.

My friend Denzil can run ________________________________ (manner)

Trupti came earlier _____________________________________ (degree)

Plants breathe ______________________________________ (manner)

The students did the experiment _________________________(manner)

Mrinal is not as tall _____________________________(degree)

Friendship is essential to our lives. Write an essay about an important, beautiful friendship. The essay can be a non-fiction account about one of your dearest friends, or a fictional one about a unique friendship. A descriptive essay is a long piece of writing meant to involve the reader in such a way that the reader can actually visualize the things being described. -      The essay describes in detail what the writer wants to convey. -      The essay should have an Introduction that presents the general idea of the writing, the         main body that describes places, events or people so vividly that the reader can easily form a clear picture of the topic, and the conclusion which summarizes the essay.

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Back Questions - Friends and Flatterers | New Gems English Reader | Literature | English | Class 7

Shakespeare compares words to the wind

a) because they are spoken. b) to make a simile.               c) because, like the wind they are lost soon. d) so that we get confused.         

c) because, like the wind they are lost soon.

According to the poet, many people surround us when we are | a. popular. b. old. c. young. d. rich.

The second verse points out that when one loses ____________, one will have few friends. a. beauty b. a job c. money d. a best friend

What would flatterers say if one is wasteful?

According to the poet, what are the special qualities of a friend?

How is a flatterer different from a friend?

Explain these lines with reference to the context.

But if store of crowns be scant No man shall supply thy want.

If thou wake, he cannot sleep Who is ‘he’? What does the expression ‘If thou wake’ refer to

Extra Questions - Friends and Flatterers | New Gems English Reader | Literature | English | Class 7

Everyone that flatters thee, Is no friend in misery. Words are easy, like the wind, Faithful friends are hard to find.

Why should flatterers be avoided?

What is the literary device used in the third line? Explain it.

What does the poet mean by "words are easy"?

Flatterers should be avoided because they are not genuine friends, they are just people who use sweet words and praise others for their own benefit. In times of trouble or misery, they are not reliable or dependable.

The literary device used in the third line is a simile . A simile is a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two different things using the words ‘like’ or ‘as’. Here, the poet is comparing the ease of uttering words with the movement of the wind.

By saying “ words are easy ”, the poet implies that it’s easy to say nice things or make promises, but the true test of friendship lies in action and support during tough times - something that flatterers often fail at. The line underscores the emptiness or insincerity of flattery.

Friends and Flatterers - Line by line explanation in Hindi | New Gems English Reader | Class 7 Literature | English

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Quiz - Friends and Flatterers | New Gems English Reader | Class 7 Literature | English

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Vocabulary - Flashcards - Friends and Flatterers | New Gems English Reader | Class 7 Literature | English

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About the Poet - Friends and Flatterers | New Gems English Reader | Class 7 Literature | English

William Shakespeare, often regarded as the greatest playwright in the English language, was also a prolific poet. Born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare penned numerous sonnets and poems throughout his career. His poetry, like his plays, explores a wide range of themes, from love and beauty to mortality and the human condition.

Shakespeare's poetry is characterized by its lyrical beauty, imaginative language, and deep emotional resonance. His mastery of the English language, combined with his ability to capture profound insights into the human experience, has made his poetry timeless and enduring.

In his poem "Friends and Flatterers," Shakespeare explores the theme of true friendship versus the fickleness of flattery. He cautions that those who flatter others in times of abundance and prosperity are not true friends when adversity strikes. The poem serves as a reminder to seek out genuine companionship and support in times of need.

Overall, Shakespeare's poetry showcases his remarkable talent for capturing complex emotions and universal truths. His words continue to inspire and resonate with readers centuries after his death, solidifying his place as one of the greatest poets in history.

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Summary - Friends and Flatterers | New Gems English Reader | Class 7 Literature | English

In "Friends and Flatterers," William Shakespeare delves into the depths of human relationships, exploring the dichotomy between authentic friendship and the allure of flattery. The poem serves as an admonition against being deceived by those who offer empty praise and superficial support.

Shakespeare's insight cuts to the core of human nature. He reveals that when fortune smiles upon us, many flock to our side, eager to share in our prosperity. Their words .....

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Themes - Friends and Flatterers | New Gems English Reader | Class 7 Literature | English

1. True Friendship:

Shakespeare explores the nature of true friendship, emphasizing that it goes beyond mere surface-level associations. True friends are...

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Symbols - Friends and Flatterers | New Gems English Reader | Class 7 Literature | English

In "Friends and Flatterers," William Shakespeare utilizes symbols to convey deeper meanings and enhance the themes of the poem. Here are some key symbols in the poem:

The wind symbolizes the ease with which flattery comes....

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Poetic Devices - Friends and Flatterers | New Gems English Reader | Class 7 Literature | English

In "Friends and Flatterers," William Shakespeare employs various poetic devices to enhance the impact and eloquence of his words. Here are some of the key poetic devices used in the poem:

The poem follows a rhyming scheme, primarily using couplets,....

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Vocabulary - Friends and Flatterers | New Gems English Reader | Class 7 Literature | English

Flatters : (verb) praises or compliments someone excessively, often insincerely, to gain favor or approval.

Sentence: The politician flatters his constituents with promises during election campaigns.

Faithful : (adjective) loyal, reliable, and true to one's commitments and promises.

Sentence: Even in difficult times, a faithful friend stands by your side and offers support.

Scant : (adjective) in short supply; barely sufficient or inadequate in quantity.

Sentence: The hikers had to............................

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Fragrance English Reader 7

Vinita kumar, cordova.

• The Flower School
• A Gift of Chappals
• Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening
• A Clump of Lilac

Friends and Flatterers

• The Dinner Party
• Human Family
• Childhood Memories
• The Story of An Invitation
• Homesickness
• The Bangle Sellers
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• Model Test Paper 1
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William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare (April 26, 1564 - April 23, 1616): He is an English playwright, poet and actor. His work comprises 154 sonnets and 38 plays including some of his famous works such as Hamlet , Othello and King Lear . He is often called England's national poet and the 'Bard of Avon'.

Every one that flatters thee Is no friend in misery Words are easy, like the wind; Faithful friends are hard to find.

Everyman will be thy friend Whilst thou hast wherewith to spend; But if store of crowns be scant No man shall supply thy want .

If that one be prodigal Bountiful they will him call: And with such like flattering, ' Pity but he were a king.'

But if fortune once do frown Then farewell his great renown : They that fawn'd on him before, Use his company no more.

He that is thy friend indeed, He will help thee in thy need; If thou sorrow, he will weep; If thou wake, he cannot sleep:

Thus of every grief in heart He with thee doth bear a part, These are certain signs to know Faithful friend from flattering foe .

Available Answers

'Words are easy, like the wind'  

Whose words is the poet referring to in this line? In what sense are they ' easy '?

According to the poet, when do we have many friends in our life?

Which line in the first stanza describes a flatterer?

How can we identify a ' faithful friend ' from a ' flattering foe '?

'But if store of crowns be scant No man shall supply thy want.'

What is the poet trying to say in these lines?

How do flatterers respond when a person becomes rich or extravagant?

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English Notes

English notes latest questions, what are the poetic devices used in the poem friends and flatterers.

• Alliteration – Alliteration involves the repetition of initial consonant sounds in neighbouring or closely positioned words. It can be seen in phrases such as “Faithful friends from flattering foe.”, “help thee in thy”, “he be bent”, etc.
• Simile- A simile is a figure of speech that involves comparing two different things using the words “like” or “as” to highlight a shared quality or characteristic between them.  It can be seen in the line, “Words are easy, like the wind;” where the speaker tells how words are flattery and are spoken with ease by a fake friend.
• Metaphor- A metaphor is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable. It can be seen in the line, “But if store of crowns be scant” which is a metaphor for misfortune.
• Personification- Personification is a literary device in which human qualities are attributed to non-human entities or objects. It can be seen in the line, “But if Fortune once do frown,” where fortune is personified as someone who can frown.
• Parallelism- Parallelism is the use of similar grammatical structures, phrases, or patterns in a series of words or ideas. It adds balance and rhythm to the writing. It can be seen in the lines, “If thou sorrow, he will weep; / If thou wake, he cannot sleep;”.
• Allusion- An allusion is a brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literary, or political significance. The poem alludes to the biblical story of The Prodigal Son.
• Inversion- Inversion is a poetic and rhetorical technique in which the normal order of words is reversed for emphasis or stylistic purposes. It can be seen in the line, “Bountiful they will him call,”.
• Anaphora- Anaphora is a rhetorical device in which a word or phrase is repeated at the beginning of successive clauses, sentences, or lines. It can be seen in the lines, “He that is thy friend indeed,/ He will help thee in thy need:”
• Hyperbole- Hyperbole is a figure of speech characterized by exaggeration or overstatement to emphasize a point. It can be seen in the line, “Pity but he were a king” which is an exaggerated remark by a flatterer.

Friends and Flatterers Summary

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