The set of events that affect someone's life make up their vicissitudes. In general, vicissitudes are a combination of favorable and unfavorable events that occur unevenly over time.
Synonyms of the term
The word vicissitudes is used in the plural, but it exists in its singular form, vicissitude. This is because in a period of time different things happen continuously and therefore the use of the plural is more common.
The term vicissitudes could be replaced by others, such as events, incidents, adventures, escapades or events. However, it must be remembered that synonymy implies that the terms are similar but not exactly the same.
A reflection on the concept and its etymology
If we analyze a specific event, to refer to it we can use the word event. When there are several events related to each other, one speaks of an event. And when there is a set of events and some are positive and others are not, it is more correct to speak of vicissitudes. Consequently, we refer to vicissitudes by implying that all kinds of circumstances have occurred. For this reason, we talk about the vicissitudes of life in general or in relation to a long period of time.
When we speak of vicissitudes we are expressing that there is a certain relationship between the good and bad things in life. In other words, there is an alternation of events, some fortunate and others adverse.
In the field of fiction, the vicissitudes of a literary character are his adventures and misadventures
For a character to be attractive to the reader, its creator has to invent various situations and all of them make up his experiences or vicissitudes as a character. If we think about the character of Don Quixote, his life journey is full of ups and downs, setbacks, adventures, adventures and misadventures.
Vicissitude comes from Latin, specifically from the word vicissitudo, which means change. Its origin reminds us that the idea of change is associated with our own existence. In fact, living means being undergoing permanent change. And the fact of being subject to changing circumstances is expressed in one word, vicissitudes.
Photos: iStock - portishead1 / Lifemoment
