The wheel is often depicted as a spinning wheel, with spokes that represent different aspects of life, such as wealth, power, and love. The wheel turns constantly, and people can find themselves at any point on the wheel, from the very top to the very bottom.
Shakespeare uses the Wheel of Fortune to explore themes of fate, destiny, and free will. In some plays, the wheel is seen as a force beyond human control, while in others, it is seen as something that people can influence through their own actions.
The Wheel of Fortune is a reminder that life is unpredictable, and that even the best-laid plans can go awry. It is a call to humility, and a reminder that we should always be prepared for change.
Here are some examples of the Wheel of Fortune in Shakespeare's plays:
* In King Lear, the wheel turns against Lear when he divides his kingdom between his two elder daughters and banishes his youngest daughter, Cordelia.
* In Macbeth, the wheel turns against Macbeth when he becomes consumed by guilt after murdering King Duncan.
* In Hamlet, the wheel turns against Hamlet when he is unable to avenge his father's murder.
The Wheel of Fortune is a powerful metaphor that has been used by writers and artists for centuries. It is a reminder that life is a journey, and that we should never take anything for granted.