Fate's great—and in The Ropemaker destiny plays a big role in how Tilja's journey resolves itself. Things manage to work out just as she had hoped, and she feels like something is guiding her. Is that a higher power at work, or does Tilja just perceive one? That's good food for thought, so start chomping.
As far as free will is concerned, we think it's the real deal in The Ropemaker too. Here's why: the trajectory of the whole world can be changed by shifting something as seemingly unimportant as the outcome to a game of dice. And if the whole world can be changed, then it seems to us like decisions definitely count.
Questions About Fate and Free Will
- Do you think that fate played a role in this journey, or did Tilja just think it did?
- Does belief in fate ultimately yield the same results as if fate itself had intervened?
- Why do you think Tilja is the one who feels fate's hand the most?
- How do fate and desire meet up in this novel?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Fate governs Tilja's journey from start to finish.
Tilja saves the Valley entirely by choice.