# Fate and Free Will in The Perfume of Eros

> Theme guide for The Perfume of Eros by Edgar Saltus.

Characters struggle between their choices and the forces of destiny, as seen in Sylvia's regret over dismissing Annandale, Fanny's acceptance of a flawed marriage, and the fortune-teller's predictions that hint at inevitable outcomes.

## Where it surfaces

- [Sweet-and-Twenty](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perfume_of_eros_se/chapters/vii-sweet-and-twenty): Annandale's belief that he can write 'Finis' on his past is challenged by the persistence of memory.
- [X: A Victim](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perfume_of_eros_se/chapters/x-a-victim): Sylvia contemplates whether the past can be undone, but fate intervenes with Fanny's announcement, sealing her loss.
- [Held Without Bail](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perfume_of_eros_se/chapters/vii-held-without-bail): Sylvia contemplates fate and her own responsibility, feeling that her pride and actions led to the tragic outcomes.
- [IX: The Twelfth Juror](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perfume_of_eros_se/chapters/ix-the-twelfth-juror): The unexpected confession of the juror, who dies in the jury box, seems like a twist of fate that clears Annandale. Orr remarks, 'Justice is rarely human, but sometimes it is divine,' suggesting a higher power at work.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perfume_of_eros_se/themes/fate_and_free_will
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_perfume_of_eros_se/themes