A Bad Penny Always Turns Up
The proverb ‘a bad penny always turns up’ suggests that undesirable people or things inevitably reappear, often at the most inconvenient times. It speaks to the frustrating persistence of negativity and the idea that certain problematic elements are simply unavoidable. Though often used to describe individuals, the phrase can also apply to recurring issues or unfortunate events. The core meaning centers around unwelcome returns and the seeming inevitability of dealing with irritating or troublesome elements.
Origin of A Bad Penny Always Turns Up
The roots of this proverb are fascinating and trace back several centuries, intertwined with the history of coinage and societal observations. The ‘bad penny’ refers to a coin that is counterfeit, worn, or debased, essentially a coin of little to no actual value. In earlier times, clipping or filing coins to extract precious metal was common, diminishing their worth and making them ‘bad’. These flawed coins, despite their lack of value, continued to circulate, popping up repeatedly.
While the exact origin is debated, the first documented appearance of the phrase, or a close variation, is found in the 14th-century English poem Piers Plowman by William Langland, around 1377. Langland wrote of “a bad peny” in a context of untrustworthy individuals, indicating that the phrase was already in colloquial use at the time.
In the 18th century, writers such as Henry Fielding and Sir Walter Scott incorporated the idea into their works. Fielding used a similar notion in one of his plays, while Scott referenced a “bad shilling” in his novel Redgauntlet (1824), cementing the concept within literary circles. The proverb thus evolved over time, moving from a literal observation about flawed currency to a metaphorical observation about problematic individuals and persistent misfortune.
Analysis: Connecting to Literature and Its Importance
The power of ‘a bad penny always turns up’ lies in its universality. It taps into a fundamental human experience: the frustration of dealing with recurring problems or unpleasant people. Its continued presence in literature and everyday speech demonstrates its enduring relevance.
In literature, the phrase often serves as a foreshadowing device. Introducing the concept early on hints at the inevitable return of a troublesome character or the reemergence of a past conflict. It creates a sense of dramatic irony, as the audience anticipates the unwelcome return while other characters remain oblivious.
Consider how the phrase can amplify themes of fate, inevitability, and the cyclical nature of human experience. Characters might struggle to escape their pasts or to avoid repeating mistakes, mirroring the relentless return of the ‘bad penny’. It highlights the idea that certain patterns of behavior or relationships are difficult to break, and that some individuals are destined to cause trouble regardless of efforts to avoid them.
For example, a character haunted by a past betrayal might repeatedly encounter the betrayer, reinforcing the theme of inescapable consequences. A town plagued by recurring misfortune might be seen as attracting ‘bad pennies’ in the form of natural disasters or economic hardship. The phrase can also be used literally, suggesting that even well intended efforts to prevent negative outcomes are ultimately futile.
Literary Examples
A Bad Penny by John Tyler Wheelwright: This novel directly uses the proverb as its title. The protagonist, James Woodbury, can be seen as the ‘bad penny,’ repeatedly reappearing in the lives of others, causing disruption and forcing characters to confront their pasts. His journey highlights the complex nature of return— is he truly ‘bad,’ or simply a force for change, however unwelcome?
Like a Bad Penny by Selena Fulton: The story focuses on Danielle Mansfield, who is revisited by her former lover, Matt Kovacs. His reappearance forces Danielle to confront past lies and deceits, demonstrating how troublesome figures often resurface, disrupting settled lives and forcing painful reevaluation. The title expertly encapsulates the unwanted return that drives much of the narrative tension.
The Return of the Bad Penny by Gordon H. Dyson: This poem explores the metaphorical implications of the phrase. It presents the ‘bad penny’ as a disruptive force in society, someone who brings discomfort and fails to integrate harmoniously. The poem delves into the psychological reasons behind the ‘bad penny’s’ behavior and the impact it has on others.
Beyond the Literal: Nuances and Further Applications
A ‘bad penny’ can represent a recurring problem, a financial crisis, a health issue, or a political conflict that always seems to resurface despite efforts to resolve it. It can also symbolize a negative habit or pattern of behavior that someone struggles to break.
The phrase can also be used with deliberate irony. Sometimes, a character might welcome the return of a ‘bad penny’ if they believe it will create an opportunity for change or resolution. This subversion of the proverb adds complexity and nuance to the narrative.
Usage as Literary Devices
- Metaphor: “He is a bad penny, always turning up when you least expect him,” equating the person with an unwelcome recurrence.
- Extended Metaphor: “John is a bad penny, thinking he can fit into any situation, but mostly unwelcome when mingling with locals.”
- Simile: “He is like a bad penny, appearing when not needed,” drawing a comparison between the person and the proverb.
- Paradox: “A bad penny or a good penny, his brother turns up when required and even when not required.” This highlights the complex and unpredictable nature of human relationships.
Ultimately, ‘a bad penny always turns up’ is more than just a colorful idiom. It is a profound observation about the human condition—a reminder that some things, for better or worse, are simply inevitable. Its enduring presence in literature and everyday speech testifies to its enduring relevance and its ability to resonate with readers and listeners across generations.