# How does The Man in the Queue develop the theme of Luck and Chance?

> The Man in the Queue by Josephine Tey

## Answer

The Man in the Queue by Josephine Tey develops Luck and Chance across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

Grant repeatedly acknowledges the role of luck in police work, from the 'outrageous piece of luck' that catches criminals to the chance arrival of Mrs. Wallis's confession that prevents a wrongful conviction, emphasizing the unpredictability of justice.

Grant reflects on the 'queer unexpectedness of chance' and pursues the slim hope that a shop assistant might remember selling the tie. Miller's sudden recollection of the victim is a stroke of luck.

Grant acknowledges luck's role in police work, and the discovery of Mrs. Everett's prints is a chance breakthrough that shifts the investigation.

## Evidence

- [iii-danny-miller](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_man_in_the_queue_se/chapters/iii-danny-miller.md): Grant reflects on the 'queer unexpectedness of chance' and pursues the slim hope that a shop assistant might remember selling the tie. Miller's sudden recollection of the victim is a stroke of luck.
- [ix-grant-gets-more-information-than-he-expected](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_man_in_the_queue_se/chapters/ix-grant-gets-more-information-than-he-expected.md): Grant acknowledges luck's role in police work, and the discovery of Mrs. Everett's prints is a chance breakthrough that shifts the investigation.

## Links

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