Big Nate: In a Class by Himself

Generally, when prophecies appear in a text, the characters spend the story trying to avoid fulfilling the prophecy. Instead, Peirce plays with reader expectations by having Nate deliberately and meticulously attempt to achieve his fortune. What should be a prophecy Nate turns into a quest. He ruthlessly pursues his fortune, eventually achieving it, though unexpectedly. However, was it destiny that the prophecy was fulfilled, or was it entirely Nate’s determination that achieved this goal? This question runs throughout the story.

Nate doubts the fortune cookie as a prophetic tool. He spends almost two pages explaining how fortune cookies rarely speak about the future, let alone predict it. However, the minute he gets a fortune that suits his belief that he is “destined for greatness,” he latches on to it. Nate spends the entire day trying desperately to “surpass all others.” Even Nate’s friends point out the ridiculousness of Nate trying to force his fortune into coming true. Teddy tells Nate, “You’re FORCING it! Just let it happen” (164). However, Nate refuses to believe he can surpass others by letting it happen. As such, Nate refuses to accept that destiny is unavoidable. He feels he has to work for it.

At the same time, none of Nate’s efforts successfully achieve his goal of surpassing all others.