Bats in the Belfry
The phrase “bats in the belfry” is a colorful idiom used to describe someone exhibiting eccentric, foolish, or confused behavior. It implies a state of mild craziness or disorientation, suggesting the person is not thinking or acting rationally. The image conjures a picture of frantic, unpredictable movement, much like bats flitting about in a confined space.
Origin of “Bats in the Belfry”
The phrase’s roots lie in the architectural feature known as a belfry. A belfry is the tower of a church or cathedral housing bells. Historically, these structures provided ideal shelter for bats. Their presence was common, and their erratic movements and sounds within the enclosed space often led to the association between bats and a state of mental confusion.
While bats and belfries have coexisted for centuries, the idiom itself gained prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its first documented appearance is traced to an October 1900 article in the Newark Daily Advocate, an Ohio-based newspaper. The article used the phrase to describe the nonsensical attacks leveled against a public figure, Hon. John W. Cassingham. It stated these attacks were “akin to the chatter of a fellow surrounded by a large flock of bats in his belfry.” From there, the expression quickly spread into common usage, maintaining its meaning of harmless, but noticeable, eccentricity.
Analysis of “Bats in the Belfry” in Literature
The phrase “bats in the belfry” isn’t just a linguistic quirk; it’s a useful literary device. Authors employ it to quickly establish a character’s mental state, create a humorous tone, or subtly critique societal norms. The effectiveness of the idiom lies in its evocative imagery. It is not a harsh condemnation of insanity; rather, it suggests a whimsical, slightly endearing form of madness. This makes it suitable for a wide range of literary contexts, from lighthearted comedies to more serious explorations of the human psyche.
The phrase also often carries a slight ironic undertone. The belfry, traditionally a symbol of order and religious stability, is being disrupted by chaotic, unpredictable creatures. This juxtaposition can be used to highlight the absurdity of human behavior or to question established authority.
Example #1: Bats in the Belfry by David Lewis Paget
The Church Belfry at Catherine Cross
Was known for its ancient bells,
They’d peal out before Sunday Mass
And wake the monks in their cells,
The bellringers were a hardy crew
And their timing was superb,
But Joe and John didn’t get along,
Nor did the Bellman, Herb.For Herb worked in the belfry, believing the bells were his,
He tended the rope and the clapper stays so the clapper wouldn’t miss,
He set each rope to the ringer’s height to a fraction of an inch,
And woe betide if a ringer died or another called in sick.He called down to the bellringers, “Go easy on those ropes; you wouldn’t want to be stretching them. They’re after all the Pope’s!”
But John would glare at his form up there and call out, “Don’t interfere with our work down here. It’s we who ring the bells!”
This narrative poem presents a comical rivalry among the bellringers. While the title uses the phrase, the comparison is implied rather than stated. Herb’s obsessive attention to detail and insistence on his ownership of the bells, combined with the bellringers’ defiant responses, creates a sense of chaotic energy. The situation is playfully absurd – a small‑scale conflict escalating due to stubborn pride and differing opinions. The phrase alludes to the unpredictable and slightly mad behavior of the characters.
Example #2: Bats in the Belfry by Bryan M. Long
In the silence of an empty temple
Soft sounds can be heard.
Is it the ghost of a long‑lost brother?
Or the sound of an intruding bird?The cooing comes from the heating ducts,
Some scratchy claws do sound.
Some three taps of little beaks,
For admission to lodge does abound.Alas, the roof entry is open
For pigeons to enter the ducts.
They reach a dead end and panic;
They foresee a death that sucks.We need a young, fit brother
To climb onto the roof and fix
The building’s air intake,
And pick up the nesting sticks.Then remove the grills from ducting
And take the dead birds, please.
So no more smelly dead pigeons
Will make us cough and sneeze.We’ll stick to bagpipe music
Sounding through the grills;
And place around the intakes
Some pigeon diversion pills.As our brothers kneel at the altar
And listen for a cue,
They don’t expect to hear
A half‑dead pigeon coo.They may be soft and cuddly,
But they leave a mess on the floor.
They should wait patiently
And give three knocks at the outer door.
In this poem, the “bats in the belfry” metaphor is ironic. The situation is not madness but a series of unfortunate events caused by negligence—an open roof entry trapping pigeons. The absurdity of trying to deter pigeons with bagpipe music and “diversion pills” creates a whimsical tone. The title playfully highlights the chaotic and slightly ridiculous nature of the problem.
Example #3: Bats in the Belfry by E.C.R. Lorac
In Lorac’s mystery novel, the phrase is not literal. It serves as a symbolic representation of the confusion and disorientation surrounding the disappearance of Bruce Attleton. The “belfry” represents the London literary circle, and Attleton’s erratic behavior and sudden vanishing suggest a mind teetering on the edge. The phrase establishes a mood of mystery and foreshadows the unraveling of a complex plot.
Example #4: A Bat in the Belfry by Sarah Graves
Graves’ novel uses the phrase to indicate a confusing, almost unbelievable situation. The death of a teenager in the church belfry creates an atmosphere of mystery and intrigue. The phrase alludes to the bewildering nature of the crime and the difficulty of uncovering the truth.
Beyond Literature: Using “Bats in the Belfry”
The phrase “bats in the belfry” can be used in everyday language to describe someone who is acting strangely or irrationally. Here are a few examples:
- “Joseph has been talking nonsensically since morning, behaving as if he has bats in his belfry.”
- “On a busy sales day, every supermarket feels like it has bats in its belfry.”
- “Rachel loves doing puzzles, but when she asks others to solve them with her, it seems as if they have bats in their belfry.”
- “Alina wore such strange clothes for the formal dance that it seemed she had bats in her belfry.”
- “Jimmy thought he had bats in his belfry because he was feeling crazy, so he declined invitations from many friends for his birthday party.”
By understanding its origin, literary applications, and everyday usage, you can appreciate the richness and versatility of this charming idiom.