# Fate and Free Will in The Story of Gösta Berling

> Theme guide for The Story of Gösta Berling by Selma Lagerlöf.

The narrative questions whether characters are doomed by fate or can choose their paths, as seen in the curse on Borg manor, the pensioners' pact with the devil, and Gösta's repeated decisions to reform or relapse.

## Where it surfaces

- [Christmas Eve](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_g_sta_berling_se/chapters/part-i-ii-christmas-eve): Gösta Berling negotiates a year of freedom with the devil, attempting to control his own destiny through a pact.
- [III: Christmas Day](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_g_sta_berling_se/chapters/part-i-iii-christmas-day): The pensioners believe Sintram's prophecy is unfolding, seeing the major's wife's fall as inevitable and tied to their devil's contract.
- [Gösta Berling, Poet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_g_sta_berling_se/chapters/part-i-iv-g-sta-berling-poet): Gösta believes fate drives their elopement, yet they actively choose to defy societal norms.
- [XIV: Old Songs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_g_sta_berling_se/chapters/part-ii-xiv-old-songs): Marianne contemplates whether suffering is necessary for growth and whether she can choose her own path, ultimately deciding to leave her home and seek a new life.
- [XVIII: Amor Vincit Omnia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_g_sta_berling_se/chapters/part-ii-xviii-amor-vincit-omnia): The chapter contrasts Eberhard's deterministic, godless worldview with the countess's belief in a purposeful, spirit-filled universe.

## Links

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