# Chapter XVII explained — Short Works

> Chapter companion for Short Works by Epictetus.

## What happens

Epictetus uses the metaphor of an actor in a play to illustrate the Stoic principle of accepting one's assigned role in life, focusing on performing it well rather than choosing it.

## Themes in this chapter

### Acceptance of Nature and Fate

The chapter directly instructs acceptance of one's assigned 'part' in life, which is determined by a higher power (the 'author' or nature).

### Dichotomy of Control

Distinguishes between what is 'your duty' (acting well your given part) and what 'belongs to another' (selecting the part).

## Character check-ins

### Epictetus

The teacher presenting the central metaphor and instruction.

## Key lines

> Remember that thou art an actor in a play, of such a kind as the teacher (author) may choose; if short, of a short one; if long, of a long one... For this is your duty, to act well the part that is given to you; but to select the part, belongs to another.

You are like an actor cast in a role by a director. Your job is to perform your given role—whether it's long, short, or of a specific type—to the best of your ability. Choosing the role itself is not your responsibility.

_Core metaphor for accepting one's fate and focusing on virtuous action within it._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/epictetus_short_works_se/chapters/xvii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/epictetus_short_works_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/epictetus_short_works_se/chapters