# Fate and Destiny in Gallions Reach

> Theme guide for Gallions Reach by H. M. Tomlinson.

Characters repeatedly discuss luck, fate, and destiny, from the opening conversation about a man who followed his dream to Norrie's cynical remarks about 'destiny taking its course.' Colet's decision to accompany Parsell is framed as a fateful choice, suggesting that individuals are both agents and subjects of larger forces.

## Where it surfaces

- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gallions_reach_se/chapters/i): The adults discuss men who followed their luck or fate and never returned, hinting at the river as a conduit of destiny.
- [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gallions_reach_se/chapters/v): The accidental death of Perriam suggests a fatalistic turn, as Colet's impulsive act leads to an unforeseen consequence.
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gallions_reach_se/chapters/vi): Colet's aimless eastward drift and his feeling that he is on a 'predestined path' suggest a sense of fate guiding his actions, as if he is being pulled towards an inevitable outcome.
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gallions_reach_se/chapters/vii): Colet's chance encounter with Captain Hale and the Kuan-yin statue seems to steer him toward the Altair, suggesting a destined path.
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gallions_reach_se/chapters/viii): Colet reflects on catching destiny's hints and letting circumstances take charge.
- [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gallions_reach_se/chapters/xi): The captain's comment 'Only thing to do is what seems best at the time' and Colet's acceptance of the journey reflect a surrender to fate.
- [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gallions_reach_se/chapters/xiii): Colet's waking certainty that something is about to happen, and the ship's sense of waiting, imbue the journey with a feeling of predetermined events and a new probation.
- [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gallions_reach_se/chapters/xv): Captain Hale's reflection on his long career and the ship's uncertain future suggest an acceptance of fate and the inevitability of events.
- [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gallions_reach_se/chapters/xvi): Colet's resignation to the storm and his sense of impending doom reflect a surrender to fate.
- [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gallions_reach_se/chapters/xviii): The ship's sinking is accepted with resignation, as if predetermined, and the crew's actions follow a ritual of inevitability.
- [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gallions_reach_se/chapters/xix): The men's survival depends on chance and the course they set, as they await rescue from an indifferent sea.
- [XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gallions_reach_se/chapters/xx): The men's survival is left to chance and the sea, with false hopes and mirages. Colet's vision of a star approaching suggests a fatalistic acceptance of whatever comes.
- [XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gallions_reach_se/chapters/xxxiii): Norrie and Colet's discussion about Parsell's inevitable fate highlights the theme of destiny and the futility of trying to change it.
- [XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gallions_reach_se/chapters/xxxiv): Norrie invokes destiny as an explanation for Colet's decision, suggesting an inevitable course.
- [XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gallions_reach_se/chapters/xxxviii): Colet feels compelled to find Parsell, believing 'This was his own particular job, anyhow. He had asked for it.' He also reflects that 'You are only lost if you think you are.'
- [XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gallions_reach_se/chapters/xl): Colet feels compelled to return to London, driven by an unseen order that governs life.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gallions_reach_se/themes/fate_and_destiny
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gallions_reach_se/themes