# Fate and Destiny in The Portent

> Theme guide for The Portent by George MacDonald.

The narrative is steeped in fatalism, from the prophetic 'clanking shoe' that heralds doom to the coincidental births of Duncan and Alice in the same month and year, suggesting that their union is preordained despite obstacles, tragedies, and the passage of time.

## Where it surfaces

- [The Portent](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_portent_se/chapters/the-portent): The supernatural visions imply a predetermined fate for the characters.
- [II: The Second Hearing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_portent_se/chapters/ii-the-second-hearing): The death of the distant relation and the loss of the commission suggest a predetermined path for Duncan, steering him toward a different future.
- [III: My Old Nurse's Story](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_portent_se/chapters/iii-my-old-nurses-story): The prophecy that Duncan will be a soldier and the idea that he might be the reincarnation of the murdered brother suggest a predetermined path. The portent of the broken shoe foretells future ill.
- [IV: Hilton Hall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_portent_se/chapters/iv-hilton-hall): The falling target and the strange sense of déjà vu suggest a predetermined path for Duncan.
- [Chapter XX: Margaret](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_portent_se/chapters/xx-margaret): The chapter suggests that Duncan's quest is guided by fate, with Margaret's vision and the cross serving as signs.
- [Escape](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_portent_se/chapters/xxvi-escape): The escape seems fated, with the ring and money preserved for this moment, and the couple's union feels destined.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_portent_se/themes/fate_and_destiny
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_portent_se/themes