In The Tempest, what is the meaning of Trinculo's line from Act 4 scene 1: &

Question:It's said during the scene outside Prospero's cell, when Stephano and Trinculo are distracted by the 'trumpery' laid out by Ariel.

I've read a few explanations, but nothing convincing.

Thanks.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: It's said during the scene outside Prospero's cell, when Stephano and Trinculo are distracted by the 'trumpery' laid out by Ariel.

I've read a few explanations, but nothing convincing.

Thanks.

Yes, Theatre Doc has got it but just to add something. The context is that in Shakespeare's day there was no formal setting of weight standards for selling goods, no Trading Standards to help you. Scales were frequently fixed with dodgy levels and measurements (lines) were cut short - you were, literally, given "short measure". Trinculo is admitting to a dishonest act. He is stealing just as all the traders steal by their short measure and fixed scales.

It means the way we measure things allows us to cheat the other guy.

I've had a word with the Bard and he tells me that he just put it in because it was understood in his day. He's sorry it's meaning has been lost in the mists of time. He says 'Don't worry about it-
Many a muckle makes a mickle.'

it means to go to there level, get what we can, how we can.
in a decieveing way.