In Philip Roth's "Zuckerman Unbound," the protagonist grapples with the nature of unexpected fortune. The experience of sudden luck is portrayed as both bewildering and impactful, leaving him to question its significance. Such drastic changes in life, whether positive or negative, can evoke deep introspection about fate and chance.
The quote emphasizes that great fortune can be as perplexing as calamity, suggesting that success can bring its own set of challenges and uncertainties. The protagonist’s struggle to comprehend this newfound luck reflects a broader commentary on how unpredictable events shape our lives and identities.