The Lady of the Barge · Theme
Fate and Superstition
How The Lady of the Barge develops Fate and Superstition.
Characters grapple with supernatural forces and the idea that fate is inescapable, as in 'The Monkey's Paw,' where a cursed talisman grants wishes with horrific outcomes, and in the story of the 'something' in the marshes, which inspires fear and dread.
Where it surfaces
- The Monkey's Paw
The monkey's paw is a supernatural object that interferes with fate, granting wishes in a twisted and tragic manner.
- I
The monkey's paw is introduced as a talisman meant to show that 'fate ruled people's lives, and that those who interfered with it did so to their sorrow,' setting up the central conflict between human desire and destiny.
- The Price of a Wish
The monkey's paw's curse manifests through a seemingly natural accident, blurring the line between fate and coincidence.
- Chapter III
The monkey's paw is treated as a talisman with supernatural power, and the characters' belief in its ability to alter fate drives the plot.
- Chapter II
The well is portrayed as an ominous, superstitious site; Olive's whispered fear of hearing 'Jem, help me out' and Jem's horrified reaction suggest a supernatural or fateful undercurrent.
- III
The well descent is preceded by a candle test for foul air, and the discovery of a corpse underscores fatalistic outcomes.