Vocabulary – Choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the highlighted word in the sentence. Sentence: The great artist’s life was full of “vicissitudes.”

Introduction / Context:
“Vicissitudes” is a formal noun used in biographies and history to describe the ups and downs that occur over time. The key is to capture the idea of fluctuation or change, not only negative experiences.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target word: vicissitudes.
• Context: a life narrative with many phases.
• Options mix negative emotions with neutral descriptors of variation.

Concept / Approach:
While vicissitudes can include hardships, its core meaning is “changes in circumstances,” often alternating favorable and unfavorable conditions. Therefore, the most accurate one-word rendering is “changes.” Words like “sorrows” or “misfortunes” restrict the meaning to negative aspects only and are too narrow.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Replace in sentence: “life was full of changes” preserves meaning without adding negative bias, validating the choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• sorrows: captures sadness only; too narrow.
• misfortunes: emphasizes bad luck; not all vicissitudes are bad.
• surprises: stresses unexpectedness rather than alternation.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming “vicissitudes” is purely negative. It denotes variability, not exclusively adversity.

Final Answer:
changes