‘The Devil Incarnate’, Meaning & Context

The phrase “the devil incarnate” is a figurative expression that means “the embodiment of evil.” It is used to describe someone who is so wicked or malicious that they seem to be possessed by the devil himself. The phrase is often used in a derogatory way, to insult or vilify someone. However, it can also be used in a more direct way, simply to describe someone who is very evil.

Origin of “The Devil Incarnate”

The phrase was first recorded in the English language in the 14th century. It is thought to have been derived from the Latin phrase “diabolus incarnatus,” which literally means “the devil in the flesh.”

The belief in demonic possession was widespread during the Middle Ages, and the phrase “the devil incarnate” was often used to describe someone who was thought to be possessed by the devil. The earliest recorded use of the phrase “the devil incarnate” in the English language is in the 14th century poem “The Mirour for Magistrates.” In this poem, the phrase is used to describe a wicked and cruel man named Thomas, Lord Berkeley. The poem describes Thomas as “a devil incarnate, all devilishly enclynde.”

The phrase “the devil incarnate” continued to be used in the English language throughout the centuries. It appears in several of Shakespeare’s plays,

“The Devil Incarnate” in Shakespeare

The phrase “the devil incarnate” appears in Titus Andronicus, Lucius uses the phrase to describe Aaron the Moor, who is the play’s villain. Aaron is a ruthless and sadistic character who is responsible for much of the violence and bloodshed in the play.

“Lucius: See, see, here comes the devil incarnate,

Aaron: If thou wilt, sour-faced, thou shalt have my head.

Lucius: No, I’ll behead thee with thy own sword.

Aaron: Nay, then, farewell. I have no sword but thine.

Lucius: I’ll sheathe it in thy body, for thou art the devil incarnate.”

This quote is from Act 5, Scene 1 of Titus Andronicus. Lucius is about to execute Aaron the Moor for his crimes, including the rape and mutilation of his sister Lavinia. 

In the play Henry V, the phrase “the devil incarnate” is used to describe the French army by the English soldiers. The English soldiers believe that the French are so evil that they must be possessed by the devil. This belief is based on the fact that the French army has been responsible for many atrocities, including the massacre of English prisoners of war.

The phrase is used first in Act 3, Scene 1, when the English soldiers are preparing for battle. The soldier Pistol says:

“The devil incarnate! Now let’s about it!”

This line suggests that the English soldiers believe that the French army is so evil that they are literally possessed by the devil.

The phrase is used again in Act 4, Scene 3, when the English soldiers are celebrating their victory over the French. Fluellen says:

“The devil incarnate! I have seen the devil with his horns and his tail, but I have never seen anything like the French.”

This line suggests that the English soldiers’ belief in the French army’s evil is so strong that they believe that the French are literally demons.

The use of the phrase “the devil incarnate” in Henry V reflects the English soldiers’ fear and hatred of the French. The English soldiers believe that the French are so evil that they are beyond human comprehension. This belief helps to motivate the English soldiers to fight against the French and to ultimately defeat them.

The devil incarnate

“The Devil Incarnate” in Other Literary Works

The phrase “the devil incarnate” has been used in many other literary works besides Shakespeare’s plays. For example, the phrase appears in the novel The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne. In this novel, the character of Roger Chillingworth is described as “the devil incarnate.” Chillingworth is a mysterious and sinister character who is obsessed with revenge.

The phrase “the devil incarnate” has also been used in several films. For example, the character of Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs is often referred to as “the devil incarnate.” Lecter is a brilliant but sadistic serial killer who is both feared and admired by those who know him.

“The Devil Incarnate” in Popular Culture

The phrase has been used in literature, film, art, and popular culture, and it continues to be used today. For example, the character of Darth Vader in the Star Wars films is often referred to as “the devil incarnate.” Vader is a powerful and evil Sith Lord who is responsible for the deaths of countless people.

The phrase “the devil incarnate” has also been used in art, music (eg, the song by Death’s Angel), and the internet. There is a painting by Francisco Goya entitled “The Devil.” This painting depicts a monstrous figure with horns, claws, and a tail. The painting is a powerful depiction of evil and is usually referred to as “the devil incarnate”