Bag and Baggage
The phrase “bag and baggage” signifies all of a person’s possessions, everything they own and carry with them. It implies a complete removal of belongings, or a taking along of everything one has. While seemingly simple, the phrase carries a rich history and nuanced meaning, appearing frequently in literature and everyday language.
Origin of “Bag and Baggage”
The origin of “bag and baggage” is rooted in military terminology. In earlier times, soldiers traveling to battle or on campaign would bring all their personal belongings – housed in bags – along with their equipment. This ‘baggage’ represented their entire life and livelihood during their service. The phrase first appeared in print around 1525 in John Berners’ translation of John Froissart’s chronicles. However, its most famous early use comes from William Shakespeare’s play, As You Like It (1600). Rosalind, disguising herself as a man, declares they will retreat “not with bag and baggage, yet with scrip and scrippage.” Here, Shakespeare uses the phrase to suggest a less complete, more hasty retreat – they would not take everything, but still some essential items. This highlights the phrase’s original context of complete removal versus partial abandonment.
Analysis in Literature & Beyond
The power of “bag and baggage” in literature lies in its metaphorical weight. It’s rarely just about physical possessions. The phrase frequently represents a person’s emotional burdens, past experiences, or unresolved issues. When a character is described as leaving “bag and baggage,” it suggests a clean break – a willingness to shed everything that holds them back. Conversely, being burdened with “bag and baggage” implies that these possessions (or emotional weights) are hindering progress or happiness. It’s a potent symbol for themes of liberation, escape, and the complex relationship between people and their belongings.
Example #1: “Things Ain’t Working Out Down at the Farm” by Thin Lizzy
In this song, the line “Got no bag or baggage or love to keep me warm” doesn’t simply mean the speaker lacks physical possessions. It suggests a complete lack of stability, comfort, or emotional connection. “Bag and baggage” here represents everything necessary for a fulfilling life, and its absence underscores the speaker’s desolation and loneliness. It isn’t about lacking a suitcase; it’s about lacking a future.
Example #2: “Explodes” by Kasabian
The lyrics “I have my bag and baggage to keep me warm” present a different nuance. Here, “bag and baggage” isn’t a sign of freedom but a source of comfort in a difficult situation. The singer is facing internal turmoil (“walking into the storm”), and his possessions represent a small measure of security and familiarity amidst chaos. It suggests a reliance on material things as a coping mechanism.
Example #3: “Drakestail” by Andrew Lang
This French fairy tale uses the phrase literally but also emphasizes its completeness. Drakestail repeatedly takes “bag and baggage” with him, highlighting the thoroughness of his journey and the inclusion of all his companions. It reinforces the idea of taking everything necessary for a shared adventure and symbolizes a collective responsibility for each other’s well‑being.
Example #4: “Save the Day” by Joseph H. Maddox
In this novel, the phrase is used in the context of military deployment and retains its original meaning. “With bag and baggage” signifies the complete mobilization of troops and their equipment, ready for whatever challenges lie ahead. It underscores the seriousness of their mission and the weight of their responsibilities. It is a literal representation of soldiers taking all essential items with them.
Beyond Literature: Broader Applications
The phrase “bag and baggage” isn’t limited to literary contexts. It frequently appears in everyday language to convey similar meanings.
- “She left her old life behind, bag and baggage, to start anew in California.” – This suggests a complete break from the past and a fresh start.
- “He’s carrying a lot of emotional bag and baggage from his childhood.” – This implies unresolved issues and lingering trauma that are hindering his progress.
- “Don’t bring your personal problems to work; leave that bag and baggage at the door.” – This suggests separating personal issues from professional life.
The enduring popularity of “bag and baggage” demonstrates its versatility and resonance. Its ability to evoke both literal and metaphorical meanings makes it a powerful and evocative phrase, continuing to enrich our language and literature.