Meaning & Analysis
In a literal sense, it refers to a person in a crowd or on a narrow thoroughfare being physically pushed aside against a wall by stronger or more aggressive individuals.
Insights
Inevitability of Failure for the Powerless
The proverb is a cynical observation on power dynamics, suggesting that in any competitive environment—socially, economically, or politically—those with the least strength, resources, or influence will inevitably be marginalized, defeated, or fail.
Exclusion and Marginalization
'Going to the wall' symbolizes being pushed to the fringes of society. It describes the process of social and economic exclusion, where the vulnerable lose access to opportunities, status, and resources.
A 'Natural Law' of Dominance
It reflects a deterministic worldview where the strong thrive by subjugating the weak. The proverb implies that this is a fundamental, unchangeable rule of social interaction, a 'law of the jungle' applied to human society.
Historical Street Life and Social Hierarchy
Originating from the physical reality of crowded, narrow streets where the less assertive were literally pushed aside, the proverb reflects a harsh social order. Shakespeare's use in 'Romeo and Juliet' immediately frames the play's conflict in terms of brutal social dominance, where even servants adopt the language of power and subjugation.
Psychology of Power and Fatalism
The proverb encapsulates a worldview akin to social Darwinism, presenting the marginalization of the vulnerable not as a societal failing but as a natural, inevitable law. It can be used to justify ruthless ambition or, conversely, to express a fatalistic resignation to one's disadvantaged position.
Socio-Economic Commentary
This saying serves as a stark commentary on systemic inequality. The 'weakest' are not just physically frail but are those lacking social, economic, or political power. As the 1721 quotation notes, they are 'thrust out from Profit or Preferment', highlighting the proverb's enduring relevance to economic disparity.
Rhetorical Devices
Metaphor
The phrase 'goes to the wall' serves as a powerful and enduring metaphor for failure, ruin, or being forced into a defensive, helpless position.
Aphorism
The proverb presents its grim outlook as a concise, undeniable fact. Its aphoristic quality makes it sound like a universal law, lending it an air of authority and finality.
Superlative Adjective
The use of the superlative 'weakest' creates a stark and absolute statement, implying no exception to the rule and emphasizing the vulnerability of those at the bottom of the power structure.
Transcription
Quotations
For ever the weakest is thrust to the wall.
He that worst may is alwaye enforced to holde the candell, the weakest must still to the wall.
The weake goes by the wall.
The weakest is thrust to the wall, and he that worst may, holdes the candle.
(walls).
The weakest must to the wall still.
The weakest to the wall.
(The weake).
The weake goe to the walles.
(goe to the walles).
(goe to the walls).
After the common course of the world, the weakest goe by the walls.
Hee that worst may, must hold the candle, Or, the weakest goes to the wall.
(still to the wall).
(walls).
(The weakest must go).
*The least powerful are thrust out from Profit or Preferment.
Shakespeare Citations
That shows thee a weak slave; for the weakest goes to the wall.
Cross References
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
Used under CC BY-NC 3.0.