The Uncalled · Theme

Determinism vs. Free Will

How The Uncalled develops Determinism vs. Free Will.

Fred is haunted by his parents' disreputable past and the town's expectations, questioning whether he can escape his heredity and environment or if he is doomed to repeat their patterns despite his efforts.

Where it surfaces

XII
Fred feels carried by an 'unseen and relentless power' and struggles to fail his ordination exam, highlighting the tension between fate and personal agency.
XVI
Fred questions whether his own struggles matter given his father's past, reflecting on fate and choice.