Final answer:
The word that means misfortune or great sorrow is 'sadness'.
Step-by-step explanation:
The word that means misfortune or great sorrow is sadness. Sadness can be described as a feeling of great unhappiness or sorrow. It is a natural human emotion that can be caused by various factors such as the loss of a loved one, failure, or difficult life circumstances. For example, in the quote from the poem, 'Out by the northern gate I go my way, Bearing a load of sorrow and of care,' the speaker expresses the burden of sorrow they carry.