Something Wicked This Way Comes Song Origin

Dana Hedgpeth

2 min read

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05-12-2024

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Ray Bradbury's chilling novel, Something Wicked This Way Comes, continues to captivate readers decades after its publication. While the novel itself doesn't feature a titular song, the phrase, "something wicked this way comes," holds a rich literary history, predating Bradbury's work and contributing significantly to its ominous atmosphere.

Shakespearean Roots: A Familiar Phrase

The phrase's origins are firmly rooted in William Shakespeare's Macbeth. In Act IV, Scene I, the witches utter the chilling line, "By the pricking of my thumbs, / Something wicked this way comes." This iconic line, imbued with a sense of impending doom and supernatural dread, has become ingrained in the English language, frequently used to foreshadow impending trouble or evil.

Bradbury's Masterful Adaptation

Bradbury masterfully incorporates the phrase into the title of his novel, instantly invoking the Shakespearean associations of dark magic and foreboding. The novel's narrative, revolving around a traveling carnival with sinister undercurrents, perfectly complements the phrase's inherent ominous tone. The carnival itself becomes the embodiment of "something wicked," preying on the desires and vulnerabilities of the small town's inhabitants.

The Power of Allusion: A Literary Echo

Bradbury’s use of the phrase isn't merely a convenient title; it's a deliberate and effective literary allusion. By referencing Shakespeare, he immediately establishes a context of classic evil and supernatural forces, enriching the novel's thematic depth and creating a sense of timeless dread. The reader is instantly placed within a familiar literary landscape of witchcraft and dark magic, allowing for a deeper engagement with the novel's themes.

Beyond the Title: Thematic Resonance

The phrase's power resonates throughout the novel. It's not just a title; it's a thematic undercurrent, constantly reminding the reader of the lurking danger and the seductive nature of the carnival's seemingly harmless attractions. The ambiguity of the phrase also contributes to the novel's unsettling atmosphere, leaving the reader questioning the true nature of the "wickedness" and its insidious influence.

Enduring Impact: A Phrase for the Ages

The phrase "something wicked this way comes" continues to be used in popular culture, often to denote impending danger or supernatural events. Bradbury's masterful use of this pre-existing phrase solidified its place in the literary lexicon, further emphasizing the enduring power of Shakespeare's words and Bradbury's own storytelling prowess. The phrase serves as a potent reminder of the novel's enduring legacy and the chilling power of classic literature.