The War Between Virtue and Fortune

This flow traces the clash between the Duke's moral self-conception and Fortune's demand for recognition.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

An Old Enmity

An Old Enmity A History of Opposition The Duchess describes Fortune as having repeatedly crossed the Duke, damaging his estate and contributing to his exile. Competing Explanations The conflict may be read as either cruel chance or the consequence of a man refusing to court power at any cost.

Fortune's Complaint

Fortune's Complaint The Charge Fortune claims that the Duke made her an enemy by preferring Honesty and Prudence and slighting her favors. Power Defends Itself She treats independence from fortune as an insult, making moral choice the source of political hostility.

The Duchess's Reply

The Duchess's Reply A Defense of Character The Duchess argues that the Duke did not scorn Fortune; he merely refused to entrust his reputation to an unreliable power. Service Without Surrender She presents him as willing to serve Fortune honestly, provided that service does not violate conscience or education.

Virtue's Testimony

Virtue's Testimony Prudence and Honesty Speak Prudence seeks peace, while Honesty insists on a plain account of the Duke's upbringing and virtues. The Argument Strains Their differences reveal that even moral allies can disagree about whether reconciliation requires tact or uncompromising truth.

Fortune Refuses Judgment

Fortune Refuses Judgment The Case Breaks Down Fortune rejects the hearing's progress and leaves before Truth can deliver a decision. Conflict Persists The dispute remains unsettled, suggesting that virtue can preserve self-respect without compelling an unjust power to change.

Before the hearing

At the opening of the case

Immediately after Fortune speaks

During the same hearing

At the close of the hearing