essay pride goes before a fall

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Pride Goes before The Fall: Analysis of a Good Man is Hard to Find and The Necklace

• Categories: A Good Man Is Hard to Find The Necklace

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Words: 816 |

Published: Dec 16, 2021

Words: 816 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read

Works Cited

• O’Connor, Flannery. “A Good Man is Hard to Find.” The World’s Best Short Stories: Anthology & Criticism. Flannery O’Connor. New York: Roth Publishing. 1990. https://bconline.broward.edu/d2l/le/content/407399/viewContent/10346413/View. Accessed 4 October 2019.
• Maupassant, Guy de. “The Necklace.” Little Masterpieces of Fiction. Guy de Maupassant. New York: Doubleday, Page & Company. 1904. https://bconline.broward.edu/d2l/le/content/407399/viewContent/10346414/View. Accessed 4 October 2019.      

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The Consequences of Hubris: how Excessive Pride Leads to Downfall

This essay about the adage “pride comes before the fall” explores its origins and relevance across history, literature, and modern events. It highlights how excessive pride, or hubris, has led to the downfall of individuals and institutions, from Greek tragedies and Shakespearean plays to financial crises and political failures. The essay underscores the importance of humility and self-awareness to avoid the pitfalls of pride and build stronger, more resilient communities.

How it works

The well-known adage “pride comes before the fall” has its origins in the biblical Book of Proverbs, which cautions that “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). This ancient wisdom continues to be relevant throughout history, literature, and modern events, highlighting the dangers of excessive pride and its inevitable consequences. From classical tragedies to contemporary politics, the narrative of pride leading to downfall is a recurring theme that underscores human vulnerability.

In Greek tragedies, hubris, or excessive pride, was often the fatal flaw of protagonists who overestimated their capabilities and underestimated the challenges they faced.

A prime example is the story of Oedipus Rex. Oedipus, a proud king, is determined to outwit fate, only to find himself ensnared by it. His confidence in his ability to control his destiny blinds him to the truth, leading to his tragic downfall. This narrative underscores the Greek belief that hubris inevitably invites the wrath of the gods and results in catastrophe.

Shakespearean dramas further explore the destructive nature of pride. In “Macbeth,” the titular character’s ambition and self-assurance drive him to murder and tyranny. Macbeth’s initial successes fuel his pride, but his unchecked ambition ultimately leads to paranoia, madness, and death. Similarly, in “King Lear,” Lear’s pride prevents him from seeing the true nature of his daughters. His decision to divide his kingdom based on flattery results in betrayal, madness, and his eventual demise. These plays highlight the destructive power of pride, demonstrating that those who place themselves above others often face ruin.

In more modern contexts, the notion of pride leading to a fall remains relevant. The financial crises of the late 20th and early 21st centuries offer a stark illustration. In the 2008 financial crisis, the arrogance and overconfidence of major financial institutions led to risky behaviors and decisions. Executives believed their strategies were foolproof, ignoring signs of impending disaster. The collapse of these institutions not only brought them down but also triggered a global economic downturn, affecting millions of lives. This scenario exemplifies how the hubris of a few can have far-reaching consequences.

Pride also plays a significant role in politics and leadership. History is replete with examples of leaders whose arrogance led to their downfall. Napoleon Bonaparte, once a military genius, became overly ambitious and extended his empire beyond sustainable limits. His disastrous invasion of Russia in 1812, driven by an inflated sense of invincibility, led to a devastating retreat and ultimately his exile. Similarly, in contemporary politics, leaders who disregard advice and operate with unchecked self-confidence often face scandals and failures that tarnish their legacies.

The realm of science and technology is not immune to the pitfalls of pride. The story of the Titanic, deemed “unsinkable” by its creators, serves as a powerful metaphor for the dangers of overconfidence in technological advancements. The ship’s tragic sinking on its maiden voyage, resulting from a failure to heed warnings about icebergs, illustrates how hubris can lead to catastrophic outcomes. This lesson resonates today, reminding us to remain vigilant and humble in the face of innovation.

In personal lives, pride can strain relationships and hinder personal growth. Individuals who are excessively proud may find it difficult to admit mistakes or accept help, leading to isolation and missed opportunities for learning and development. The inability to recognize one’s limitations and the refusal to seek guidance can result in repeated failures and a lack of meaningful connections.

Ultimately, the perils of pride are a testament to the importance of humility and self-awareness. Recognizing our limitations and valuing the contributions of others can prevent the isolation and downfall that often accompany excessive pride. By embracing a balanced perspective, we can navigate challenges more effectively and build more resilient and cooperative communities.

The enduring relevance of the adage “pride comes before the fall” serves as a cautionary tale across various aspects of life. From ancient myths and literary masterpieces to modern financial crises and political blunders, the consequences of hubris are evident. As we navigate the complexities of contemporary society, it is crucial to remember the lessons of the past and strive for humility and wisdom in our endeavors. In doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of pride and foster a more just and harmonious world.

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Phrase Finder

• Pride comes before a fall

What's the meaning of the phrase 'Pride comes before a fall'?

The proverbial saying ‘pride comes before a fall’ is a warning that haughtiness and hubris leads to failure and loss.

What's the origin of the phrase 'Pride comes before a fall'?

The proverb ‘pride comes before a fall’ was originally ‘pride goes before a fall’ and this variant is still commonly used.

In fact, neither version is exactly as the proverb was originally written. The line comes from the Bible and is found, appropriately, in Proverbs 16:18. This is the current King James Version text:

Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

This has been used in biblical versions since at least Wycliffe’s Bible in 1382:

Pride goth befor contricioun, & befor falling the spirit shall ben enhauncid.

The meaning of ‘fall’ these days is interpreted to be ‘downfall; failure’ but the biblical meaning indicates something more calamitous . Fall was there meant to indicate what in the OED defines thus:

The action or fact of lapsing into sin or folly, or of yielding to temptation; moral decline, descent, or ruin.

This is the fall that Eve, the original fallen woman, was said to have suffered by tasting the apple of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

So, if early users of the proverb spoke of pride going before contrition or destruction or shame, when did people start saying ‘pride comes before a fall’ ?

The Coverdale Bible of 1535 includes the verse in Proverbs 29:23:

After pryde commeth a fall, but a lowly sprete bryngeth greate worshipe.

The modern wording of ‘pride comes before a fall’ is first found in England. The earliest citation that I can find of that form was printed in An Exposition of the Old Testament , 1810, by the English theologian John Gill. Gill died in 1771 and the expression was probably known in its current form from before then, although it may be that the 1810 publication altered Gill’s original wording.

It’s notable that the best known personification of pride in English literature – Fitzwilliam Darcy in Pride and Prejudice, didn’t result in his downfall and failure; the novel concludes with his happy marriage to Elizabeth Bennet.

[ My thanks to Peter Lukacs,  ElizabethanDrama.org for the 1535 and 1810 citations. ]

The history of “Pride comes before a fall” in printed materials

Trend of pride comes before a fall in printed material over time

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