“Well, if Fortune be a woman, she’s a good wench for this gear.”
- April 26, 1564 – April 23, 1616
- Born in England
- Playwright, poet, actor
- Wrote many masterpieces such as “Hamlet,” “Romeo and Juliet,” and “Macbeth,” and had a great influence on English literature
Quote
“Well, if Fortune be a woman, she’s a good wench for this gear.”
Explanation
This quote from Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale uses a metaphor to describe Fortune as a woman, suggesting that Fortune (or luck) is both capricious and favorable in certain circumstances. “If Fortune be a woman” implies that luck is like a woman who can be either benevolent or unpredictable, depending on how she is treated. The second part, “she’s a good wench for this gear”, means that in this particular situation, Fortune is being kind, or at least favorable, to the speaker. The term “wench” here is used in a somewhat colloquial, affectionate way, implying that Fortune is a helpful companion when things are going well, especially in times when opportunity or success is within reach.
In modern contexts, this quote reflects the idea that luck or chance can play a significant role in life, and that sometimes we feel that fortune favors us when things are going well. It highlights the unpredictable nature of life and the way in which success or failure can sometimes seem to be dependent on forces outside our control. For example, in business or personal life, one might feel as though their success is tied to good luck or the right circumstances aligning in their favor, much like a “woman” who is helpful in those moments.
Ultimately, this quote underscores the idea of opportunism and fortune—that luck or success can sometimes be on your side, and when it is, it can feel like fortune is your ally. It also points to the temporary and unpredictable nature of fortune, where good luck can be seen as a fleeting favor, much like the unpredictability of human relationships or circumstances.
