Re: (Translation) Beowulf: A New Translation by Maria Dahvana Headley

On 3 Jul 2024 13:08:04 -0000, jdnicoll@panix.com (James Nicoll) wrote:

Beowulf: A New Translation by Maria Dahvana Headley
>
Noisy neighbours and an unresponsive HOA force Grendel to take
matters into his own hands.
>
https://jamesdavisnicoll.com/review/great-balls-of-fire

An occurrence is _fortunate_ when it brings good in its wake.

An occurrence is _fortuitous_ when, in addition to being fortunate, it
is a great stroke of luck, as it was highly improbable.

While the apparent error in usage may have been intentional, since it
_sort of_ goes along with the arch, ironic tone of the beginning of
your essay, it is not entirely clear that this was the case, as the
additional exageration it brings is not really needed for the ironic
effect, and, instead, seems to mitigate against the suspension of
disbelief needed for the irony to succeed.

John Savard