# Fate and Providence in Greenmantle

> Theme guide for Greenmantle by John Buchan.

Hannay experiences premonitions and dreams that seem to guide his actions, and the narrative often relies on coincidences and lucky breaks, suggesting a belief in fate or a guiding hand in the characters' perilous journey.

## Where it surfaces

- [A Mission Is Proposed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/greenmantle_se/chapters/i-a-mission-is-proposed): Hannay feels a higher calling beyond orders, describing his decision as crossing a Rubicon, suggesting an inexorable fate.
- [The Companions of the Rosy Hours](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/greenmantle_se/chapters/xi-the-companions-of-the-rosy-hours): Hannay reflects on 'Kismet' (fate) when captured, accepting their capture as an act of God, highlighting a fatalistic resignation.
- [An Embarrassed Toilet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/greenmantle_se/chapters/xv-an-embarrassed-toilet): Blenkiron invokes 'Kismet' as they accept the dangerous journey, and the characters feel swept along by forces beyond their control.
- [The Battered Caravanserai](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/greenmantle_se/chapters/xvi-the-battered-caravanserai): The group adopts a fatalistic attitude, believing in Kismet as they lose control of their mission.
- [Trouble by the Waters of Babylon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/greenmantle_se/chapters/xvii-trouble-by-the-waters-of-babylon): Hannay's persistent dream of the castrol is seen as a warning sent by Providence, driving his actions.
- [The Little Hill](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/greenmantle_se/chapters/xxi-the-little-hill): Hannay's recurring dream of the little hill foreshadows the final battle, suggesting a destined outcome.
- [The Guns of the North](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/greenmantle_se/chapters/xxii-the-guns-of-the-north): Hannay feels a merciful fate has preserved them for victory, and Blenkiron thanks God for his pain-free final hours.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/greenmantle_se/themes/fate_and_providence
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/greenmantle_se/themes