# Fate and Chance in The Lone Wolf

> Theme guide for The Lone Wolf by Louis Joseph Vance.

Lanyard frequently reflects on luck and gambling, both literally at the roulette table and metaphorically in his criminal career, acknowledging that his success depends on the 'blindly impartial casts of Chance' and that his run of good fortune must eventually end.

## Where it surfaces

- [Return](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lone_wolf_se/chapters/ii-return): Lanyard's return is driven by impulse and a chance taxi skid, leading him to change his destination to Troyon's.
- [A Stratagem](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lone_wolf_se/chapters/iv-a-stratagem): Lanyard reflects on his luck as a gambler, considering that a run of success must eventually end, and wonders if De Morbihan's identification was a warning.
- [Turn About](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lone_wolf_se/chapters/x-turn-about): Lanyard's discovery of the resemblance in the mirror and the hypodermic syringe turn the tables on the Pack.
- [XVII: The Forlorn Hope](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lone_wolf_se/chapters/xvii-the-forlorn-hope): Lanyard's carefully laid plans are undone by Lucia's sudden disappearance, leaving his future uncertain.
- [Wings of the Morning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lone_wolf_se/chapters/xxv-wings-of-the-morning): The uncertain outcome of the flight, the unpredictable timing of the pursuit, and the narrow escape from gunfire highlight the role of chance.
- [The Flying Death](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lone_wolf_se/chapters/xxvi-the-flying-death): The random trajectory of bullets, the destruction of the barograph, and the eventual crash landing highlight the role of chance in survival.

## Links

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