# Fate and Chance in Romance

> Theme guide for Romance by Joseph Conrad.

The protagonist’s journey is driven by a series of chance encounters and fateful decisions, from meeting Carlos to escaping Rio Medio, underscoring the unpredictable nature of life and romance.

## Where it surfaces

- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romance_se/chapters/iv): The characters' survival depends on luck and the storm; Carlos's fatalistic attitude underscores the theme.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romance_se/chapters/ii): Carlos's impending death and the uncertain future of Seraphina's marriage reflect themes of destiny and contingency.
- [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romance_se/chapters/v): Kemp resigns himself to fate, believing 'something would happen' and feeling lulled by the finality of his doom.
- [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romance_se/chapters/v): Kemp's reflections on Providence and the unpredictable events that have brought him to this moment.
- [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romance_se/chapters/ix): The characters grapple with their doomed fate, while Castro's mention of the peons introduces a slim chance of rescue.
- [The Siege of the Cave](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romance_se/chapters/x): The uncertainty of the Lugareños' departure and the hope of rescue hinge on chance, while Castro's fate is sealed by Manuel's cruelty.
- [Part V: The Lot of Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romance_se/chapters/part-v-the-lot-of-man): The chapter title 'The Lot of Man' suggests a meditation on fate and the random distribution of fortune and misfortune in human life.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romance_se/chapters/i): The protagonist's uncertain fate hinges on O'Brien's decisions and the chance discovery of Seraphina.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romance_se/themes/fate_and_chance
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romance_se/themes