Understanding “As Good Luck Would Have It”
The phrase “as good luck would have it” suggests that an event occurred due to fortunate chance, or serendipity. It implies that circumstances aligned in a positive way, often unexpectedly, to produce a favorable outcome. While seemingly straightforward, the phrase carries layers of meaning concerning fate, coincidence, and the role of chance in human affairs. It isn’t simply about luck happening; it acknowledges that external forces played a part in a particular result.
Origin of “As Good Luck Would Have It”
The earliest known instance of this phrase appears in William Shakespeare’s play The Merry Wives of Windsor, written around 1600. The character Falstaff exclaims, “You shall hear. As good luck would have it, comes in one Mistress Page; gives intelligence of Ford’s approach; and, in her invention and Ford’s wife’s distraction, they conveyed me into a buck basket.” Here Falstaff uses the phrase to explain a fortunate turn of events—Mistress Page arriving at just the right moment to help him avoid a potentially embarrassing situation. The phrase has evolved over time, and the more common modern usage often omits “good,” becoming simply “as luck would have it.” Both forms remain valid; the inclusion of “good” adds a slight emphasis on the positive nature of the coincidence.
Detailed Analysis: Literature and Significance
The power of “as good luck would have it” in literature lies in its ability to create a sense of dramatic irony or foreshadowing. When a narrative voice employs this phrase, it often signals that a seemingly random occurrence will have significant consequences. It invites the reader to consider the interplay between destiny and free will. Is the “good luck” merely a coincidence, or is it a sign of something larger at play? Authors use the phrase to subtly guide the reader’s interpretation of events, suggesting that fate, or at least chance, has a hand in shaping the characters’ journeys. It often serves as a narrative pivot, shifting the story in an unexpected direction.
The phrase frequently appears in characterization. A character who habitually attributes positive outcomes to “good luck” may be portrayed as passive or fatalistic, while one who acknowledges luck but also emphasizes their own agency is seen as more resourceful and proactive. How a character uses the phrase reveals their worldview and their approach to life’s challenges.
Examples in Poetry and Song
Donal Dempsey, in his poem “As Luck Would Have It,” personifies luck as “Lady Luck,” presenting a playful exploration of chance and fate. The poem’s structure, mimicking a guessing game, highlights the unpredictable nature of luck and ultimately reveals a somewhat cynical view, with the final hand revealing “The End.”
Tom Rosenthal, in his song lyrics, uses the phrase to express joyous serendipity. The lyric “As luck would have it, I’m on the planet, and it seems you are too” frames a meeting with a loved one as a fortunate alignment of circumstances, a cosmic coincidence that makes their relationship possible. The phrase emphasizes the positive and unexpected nature of their connection.
Examples in Autobiographical Works
Derek Jacobi’s autobiography, titled As Luck Would Have It, reflects a life marked by both talent and fortunate opportunities. The title suggests that while Jacobi worked diligently to achieve success, he also benefited from a series of lucky breaks and favorable circumstances. It implies a humble acknowledgment that factors beyond his control contributed to his remarkable career.
Similarly, Tom DePaolo’s autobiography, also titled As Luck Would Have It, chronicles a career path shaped by chance encounters and unforeseen opportunities. From his time in the Air Force to his work at Disneyland, DePaolo’s story demonstrates how a willingness to embrace the unexpected can lead to a fulfilling and successful life. The title speaks to the cumulative effect of positive coincidences over a lifetime.
Beyond the Phrase: Nuances and Related Concepts
While seemingly simple, “as good luck would have it” invites deeper consideration. It differs from simply stating “luckily” or “fortunately.” The phrase implies a degree of surprise and acknowledges that the positive outcome wasn’t necessarily planned or expected. It is about recognizing the role of external forces in shaping events.
Related concepts include serendipity—the occurrence of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way—and synchronicity—the simultaneous occurrence of events that appear significantly related but have no discernible causal connection. “As good luck would have it” often evokes these ideas, suggesting that something more than mere chance is at play.
Examples in Sentences:
- “As luck would have it, he succeeded in his examinations by securing the top position.”
- “A letter from my favorite celebrity! I never expected that he would reply, but as good luck would have it I am reading it.”
- “The storm was raging but, as good luck would have it, all the sailors reached the shore safely.”
- “There are very few things in this world that are very hard to achieve. However, as good luck would have it, some people achieve it without putting much effort.”
- “Rescuing people from a warzone is a dangerous task. As good luck would have it, the US army saved 30 people last week.”
In conclusion, “as good luck would have it” is more than a common phrase. It is a subtle acknowledgement of the unpredictable nature of life, the power of coincidence, and the role of fate in shaping our destinies. Whether used in literature, music, or everyday conversation, it invites us to reflect on the delicate balance between chance and agency, and to appreciate the unexpected blessings that come our way.