Big Nate: In a Class by Himself

The fortune cookie has multiple functions in the story. First, it works as a plot device that drives the narrative forward. It also functions as a symbol of Nate’s life ambition and his general personality. When Nate first gets the fortune cookie, he spends a couple of pages explaining how fortune cookies bother him. He explains that they are generally dull, stupid, or unrelated to the future. His attitude immediately changes once he opens the fortune cookie and discovers his fortune: “Today you will surpass all others” (69). Suddenly, Nate’s day, which was not going well, is going excellently. He is confident that his fortune proves that he is destined for greatness. His next act, eating the fortune cookie, seems to prove this. Despite Gina telling Mrs. Godfrey that Nate was eating in class, Nate does not get caught. The day goes downhill from there.

The fortune and fortune cookie tie into multiple themes. First, the cookie provides the prophecy that Nate is supposed to fulfill. Rather than allowing the prophecy to happen, Nate turns it into a quest, which becomes the backbone of the fate versus self-determination theme. Second, the cookie is a symbol of Teddy’s friendship.