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This Change Gffects how the audienice experience the conflict. 20. What do you think fortune means in the context of this passage? What might it mean to be "fortune's fool"? Use evidence from the text to support your response.

Ask by Reid Murphy. in the United States
Jan 24,2025

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In the passage, **fortune** refers to the unpredictable forces of fate or chance that influence the characters' lives and experiences. Being **"fortune's fool"** means a character is at the mercy of these uncontrollable forces, lacking the power to alter their destiny. Evidence from the text shows this through instances where characters face unexpected setbacks despite their efforts, highlighting how fortune dictates their experiences rather than their actions.

Solution

In the context of the passage you're analyzing, **"fortune"** likely represents the unpredictable forces of fate or chance that influence the characters' lives and the unfolding of events. This concept is often used in literature to highlight how external circumstances beyond a character's control can affect their decisions, relationships, and overall trajectory. Being **"fortune's fool"** implies that a character is at the mercy of these uncontrollable forces, suggesting a lack of agency or power to alter their destiny. It portrays the character as someone who is passively subjected to whatever luck or fate brings their way, often leading to their downfall or suffering despite their efforts. **Evidence from the Text:** 1. **Character's Lack of Control:** If the passage describes a character repeatedly facing setbacks despite their hard work or good intentions, it illustrates how fortune dictates their experiences rather than their actions. 2. **Sudden Changes in Circumstance:** Instances where a character's situation shifts abruptly due to unforeseen events (such as a sudden betrayal, loss, or accident) can demonstrate how fortune swings unpredictably, treating the character as a "fool" subject to its whims. 3. **Dialogue or Monologue References:** If a character explicitly mentions being trapped by fate or expresses frustration over uncontrollable events, it reinforces the idea of being "fortune's fool." **Example Analysis:** *Suppose the passage describes a protagonist whose plans are continuously thwarted by unexpected obstacles, leading to increasing despair. This pattern suggests that fortune is favoring opposing forces, making the protagonist feel like a mere pawn in a larger scheme. Their inability to change their circumstances despite their best efforts exemplifies being "fortune's fool."* By examining these elements within the text, you can illustrate how "fortune" shapes the characters' experiences and underscores the theme of fate versus free will.

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Bonus Knowledge

In the context of the passage, "fortune" can refer to fate or luck that seems to control the characters' lives, often leading them into challenging or tragic situations. To be "fortune's fool" suggests that one is at the mercy of these uncontrollable forces, illustrating how their actions, no matter how noble, can lead to misfortune. For instance, Shakespeare’s characters often make decisions driven by passion, which ultimately plays into the hands of fate, showcasing the unpredictable nature of life and love. This theme resonates throughout literature; it often illustrates the fragility of human plans when faced with destiny's whims. Characters like Romeo and Juliet epitomize this struggle, where their love is sweet but ultimately tragic, suggesting that despite noble intentions, they remain puppets in fortune's grand play. When examining how this affects the audience, it creates a deeper emotional connection as they witness the inevitable downfall driven by forces beyond the characters’ control.

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