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Bellarion the Fortunate · Theme

Fortune and Fate

How Bellarion the Fortunate develops Fortune and Fate.

The narrative repeatedly emphasizes Bellarion's reliance on luck, chance, and destiny, from his nickname 'the Fortunate' to the 'winds of fate' that carry him into adventures, suggesting that success is as much a product of circumstance as of skill.

Where it surfaces

  • Book I

    Bellarion's journey is marked by chance encounters and his reputation as 'the Fortunate,' suggesting a destiny beyond his control.

  • The Grey Friar

    Bellarion's chance encounter with Fra Sulpizio and the near-miss of being left behind shape his subsequent history.

  • The Door Ajar

    Bellarion's chance discovery of the unlocked door, which he perceives as a miracle, highlights the role of fortune in his escape.

  • IV: Sanctuary

    Bellarion's escape and encounter with Valeria seem guided by fortune, reinforcing his epithet 'the Fortunate.'

  • V: The Princess

    Bellarion reflects on his misfortunes and the role of chance in his survival, while Valeria's mistaken belief in his purpose suggests the hand of fate.

  • VI: The Winds of Fate

    Bellarion is described as a 'poor straw upon the winds of Fate,' launched into events beyond his control by chance encounters.

  • I: The Miracle of the Dogs

    Bellarion's miraculous survival against the dogs appears as a stroke of fortune, reinforcing his reputation as 'the Fortunate' and suggesting fate's intervention.

  • II: Facino Cane

    Bellarion's bold gamble in adopting Facino Cane's name and his reliance on fortune to escape danger highlight the theme of fortune and fate.

  • III: The Countess of Biandrate

    Bellarion's path is diverted from Pavia by his encounter with Facino, suggesting fate's hand in his destiny.

  • VIII: The Battle of Travo

    The reversal of fortune from Facino's apparent retreat to his decisive victory, and Bellarion's presumed death, underscore the role of fate in the battle's outcome.

  • IX: De Mortuis

    Bellarion's death brings him greater glory than he might have achieved in life, illustrating how fate can elevate the fallen.

  • X: The Knight Bellarion

    Bellarion's return from presumed death is attributed to Fortune, reinforcing his epithet 'the Fortunate'.

  • XIII: The Victuallers

    Bellarion reflects on how chance events and his own adaptability have shaped his journey from convent to war camp.

  • XIV: The Vanquished

    Theodore's initial success turns to catastrophic defeat; Bellarion's fortune holds as his plans succeed; the populace's fickle acclamations underscore the role of fortune.