Question

The name Fortunato means 'fortunate.' In 150 words or more, describe how the author uses the difference between the meaning of the character’s name and the actual events that he experiences to build suspense throughout the story.

Answer 1

"Fortunato" is an Italian derivation of "Fortunatus." from the Roman proper name. It refers to a Latin adjective meaning "blest" of "fortunate." It is generally referred to in the Bible in 1 Corinthians 16:17, in which Fortunatus is one of the Seventy Disciples and represents the Corinthian church as an ambassador. In this verse, St. Paul writes:

When Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus cam, I was delighted because they supplied you with what was missing. "Fortunatus," therefore, went on to become relatively common in the Catholic tradition, with the term being taken up by many saints, martyrs, and clergymen. This -- as the other educators have pointed out -- is profoundly ironic given the indulgent conduct of Fortunato throughout the tale. Fortunato does not appear to possess a mans of faith's graces and qualities; rather, he seems to gratify his grace. NO matter how simple or poor, every whim and desire -- drinking, gossiping, cavorting, and partying his way through life. The way he dies -- paved behind a wall when he is drunk -- is hardly beatific or sacred. He does not die as a hero, but as a fool rather.

Answer 2

"Fortunato" is an Italian derivation of the Roman proper name "Fortunatus." It refers to a Latin adjective which means "blest" or "fortunate." It is known popularly referenced in the Bible in 1 Corinthians 16:17, in which Fortunatus is one of the Seventy Disciples and serves as an ambassador to the Corinthian church. St. Paul writes in this verse:

I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you.
"Fortunatus," thus, went on to become relatively popular in the Catholic tradition, with many saints, martyrs, and clergymen taking up the name. This--as the other educators have pointed out--is deeply ironic given Fortunato's indulgent behavior throughout the story. Fortunato does not appear to possess the graces and qualities of a man of faith; rather, he seems to gratify his every whim and desire, no matter how base or low--drinking, gossiping, cavorting, and partying his way through life. The way in which he dies--being paved behind a wall while drunk--is hardly beatific or holy. He does not perish as a martyr, but rather as a fool.