The Writing is on the Wall
The phrase “the writing is on the wall” is a powerful idiom signaling impending doom, a clear warning of inevitable misfortune. It suggests that the signs of a negative outcome are plainly visible, yet often ignored or misunderstood until it is too late. It isn’t simply about predicting the future; it’s about recognizing the present indicators of a future crisis.
Origin of “The Writing is on the Wall”
This evocative phrase originates from the biblical Book of Daniel, specifically Daniel 5:5 to 31. In this story, King Belshazzar of Babylon holds a lavish feast, desecrating sacred vessels taken from the Temple in Jerusalem. During the feast, a disembodied hand mysteriously appears and writes a cryptic message on the wall of the palace. Terrified, Belshazzar summons his astrologers and wise men, but none can decipher the writing. Daniel is eventually brought in and accurately interprets the message as a divine judgment foretelling the downfall of Babylon and the rise of a new power. The writing, as revealed by Daniel, predicted the impending conquest of the kingdom and the emergence of a different ruler. This dramatic scene established the phrase as a symbol of a clear supernatural warning of impending disaster, a judgment made known before it occurs.
Analysis and Significance in Literature
The phrase “the writing is on the wall” isn’t simply a historical or religious reference; it is a versatile literary device that functions on multiple levels. It often serves as a plot device, foreshadowing future events and building suspense. It can also be a powerful symbol, representing fate, inevitability, or the consequences of actions. When used in literature, the writing does not always have to be literal; it can represent any visible sign or omen that hints at a negative outcome. The effectiveness of the phrase lies in its ambiguity; the writing can be interpreted in various ways, adding layers of meaning to the narrative.
Furthermore, the phrase taps into universal anxieties about fate and control. Humans often crave the ability to predict and prevent negative outcomes, but the phrase acknowledges that some events are inevitable, and the signs of their approach are often clear, even if ignored. This creates dramatic irony when characters fail to heed the warnings, leading to tragic consequences. A skilled author can use the phrase to comment on themes of hubris, denial, or the importance of heeding wisdom and experience.
Example #1: Sam Smith – “Writing’s on the Wall”
“I’ve been here before
But always hit the floor
I’ve spent a lifetime running
And I always get away
But with you I’m feeling something
That makes me want to stay
I’m prepared for this
I never shoot to miss
But I feel like a storm is coming
If I’m gonna make it through the day
Then there’s no more use in running
This is something I gotta face
If I risk it all
Could you break my fall?
How do I live? How do I breathe?
When you’re not here I’m suffocating
I want to feel love, run through my blood
Tell me is this where I give it all up?
For you I have to risk it all
‘Cause the writing’s on the wall.”
In Sam Smith’s Bond theme, “Writing’s on the Wall,” the phrase doesn’t foretell a grand, external disaster but a personal one. The singer acknowledges a dangerous, all-consuming love that will likely lead to heartbreak. He sees the signs, the intense emotions, the vulnerability, and understands the potential for pain, yet willingly embraces the risk. The writing here is the internal realization of impending emotional turmoil.
Example #2: Dee Daffodil – “The Writing on The Wall”
“I drove ‘round the bend
And there it was…
Staring me right smack in the face
And sending chills down my spine
The message…
Scrawled in paint sprayed block letters…
‘PROTECT WHAT YOU LOVE’
My first thought was…
Yea right!
I tried to protect the trees
But the beggars cut ‘em down anyway!
Beautiful old oak trees
Had once occupied the land
Just above the limestone wall
It had once been beautiful farmland
Until someone decided that town homes…
Would be much more suitable!”
This poem utilizes the phrase more literally, but with a cynical twist. The writing is a sprayed message advocating for preservation, yet the speaker immediately anticipates its futility. The poem exposes the irony of well intentioned warnings in a world driven by greed and development. The writing is visible, but its message is ignored, highlighting the powerlessness of individuals against larger forces.
Example #3: Juliet Rieden – “The Writing on The Wall”
Rieden’s non-fiction work uses the phrase as a central metaphor for uncovering hidden truths about her family’s past. The writing isn’t a single, obvious message, but rather a series of clues and coincidences that slowly reveal a dark history. The author’s investigation into her father’s life and the family’s experiences during WWII is a process of deciphering the writing on the wall, unraveling a story of loss, resilience, and the enduring impact of the past.
Beyond Literature: Understanding the Nuances
The phrase “the writing is on the wall” isn’t limited to dramatic or catastrophic scenarios. It can also be used in more mundane contexts to describe a clear indication of a likely outcome. For example, declining sales figures might be seen as the writing on the wall for a struggling business. A deteriorating relationship, a political scandal, or even a change in weather patterns can all be described using this idiom.
However, it is important to remember that the phrase implies a degree of inevitability. It is not simply about identifying a potential problem; it is about recognizing that the problem is likely to occur unless significant action is taken. Furthermore, the phrase often carries a sense of foreboding or regret, suggesting that the warning signs were present but ignored.
Ultimately, “the writing is on the wall” is a powerful and versatile idiom that continues to resonate across cultures and contexts. Its enduring popularity speaks to our shared human experience of recognizing and sometimes ignoring the signs of what is to come.