# Luck and Superstition in The Good Companions

> Theme guide for The Good Companions by J. B. Priestley.

The performers frequently discuss luck, fate, and superstition, reflecting both the precarious nature of their profession and a broader human desire to find meaning and control in an uncertain world.

## Where it surfaces

- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iii): The drunken man George boasts of his lucky winnings at the races, and Jess's chance meeting with him feels like a fateful turning point.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/ii): Jess's initial luck in getting a lift to Everwell is sharply contrasted by the discovery that he has been robbed of all his money, underscoring the capricious nature of fortune.
- [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iii): Jess's encounter with the drunken sportsman and his subsequent loss of the money reflects the role of chance and misfortune.
- [The Dinner at The Royal Standard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/ii): The group decides to change the show's name to 'change the luck,' reflecting superstitious beliefs common among performers.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/ii): Jess reflects bitterly on his luck, feeling that despite doing nothing wrong, he is now a wanted man.
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iv): Oakroyd's fear of being pursued by police turns out to be unfounded, emphasizing the role of chance and misperception in his journey.
- [Inigo Jumps Out of a Train and Finds Himself in Love](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/v-inigo-jumps-out-of-a-train-and-finds-himself-in-love): Mrs. Joe Brundit's story about a superstitious actor and the group's discussion of luck reflect the theme's presence in the chapter.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/i): Mrs. Joe tells fortunes and recounts a story about a scoffer who was fired, highlighting the troupe's belief in luck.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/ii): Mrs. Brundit mentions 'the Luck is in' and 'touch wood,' highlighting the role of luck in their improved circumstances.
- [A Wind in the Triangle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/i-a-wind-in-the-triangle): Mr. Ridvers bitterly attributes his cinema's poor returns to the pierrots' luck, while Susie feels luck has passed her by, underscoring the theme of fortune.
- [Chapter I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/i): Mr. Ridvers repeatedly laments his bad luck and the pierrot show's good fortune, highlighting the theme of luck.
- [Susie's Birthday and the Great Chance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iv): Susie's anxiety about Monte Mortimer's visit and her fear of 'making a mess of it' reflect the role of chance in a performer's career.
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iii): The Inspector notes it was 'very lucky' no lives were lost, and Mr. Oakroyd reflects on the daftness of the evening, hinting at fortune's role.
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/chapters/iv): Mrs. Joe reflects on her prophetic feelings about Susie's chance, and the group's fortunes hinge on a wire and a manager's offer.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/themes/luck_and_superstition
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_good_companions_se/themes