Moreover, nothing is so rare as to see misfortune fairly portrayed; the tendency is either to treat the unfortunate person as though catastrophe were his natural vocation, or to ignore the effects of misfortune on the soul, to assume, that is, that the soul can suffer and remain unmarked by it, can fail, in fact, to be recast in misfortune's image. [p.193]
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Misfortune is rarely portrayed fairly; people either treat it as the victim's job or ignore its lasting effect on the soul.
- In plain terms
- People either blame victims for bad luck or pretend it doesn't change them.
- What can you take from it?
- True portrayal of misfortune acknowledges its deep impact on the soul.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you view misfortune?
- What effect does loss have?
Another view
Some stories intentionally simplify misfortune for effect.
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