Fate and Coincidence

The Goldfinch

The role of chance and destiny in shaping the characters' lives.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Museum Visit The Museum Visit from "The Goldfinch". A Fateful Decision Going to the Museum Theo and his mother go to the museum because of the rain. This decision leads to her death.

The Museum Visit from "The Goldfinch". A Fateful Decision Going to the Museum Theo and his mother go to the museum because of the rain. This decision leads to her death.

A Fateful Decision Going to the Museum Theo and his mother go to the museum because of the rain. This decision leads to her death. Meeting Welty Theo meets Welty in the rubble. Welty gives him the ring and painting. Chain of Events This chance encounter changes Theo's life forever.

Boris Finds Theo Boris Finds Theo from "The Goldfinch". A Chance Reunion Running into Boris Theo is looking for drugs on St. Mark's Place. Boris calls out to him.

Boris Finds Theo from "The Goldfinch". A Chance Reunion Running into Boris Theo is looking for drugs on St. Mark's Place. Boris calls out to him.

A Chance Reunion Running into Boris Theo is looking for drugs on St. Mark's Place. Boris calls out to him. Second Chance Boris apologizes and offers to help recover the painting. Destiny Theo believes this meeting was meant to be. It leads to the painting's recovery.

The Painting's Return The Painting's Return from "The Goldfinch". A Happy Accident Boris's Plan Boris tips off the police. The painting is recovered along with many others.

The Painting's Return from "The Goldfinch". A Happy Accident Boris's Plan Boris tips off the police. The painting is recovered along with many others.

A Happy Accident Boris's Plan Boris tips off the police. The painting is recovered along with many others. Theo's Reflection Theo thinks about how many coincidences led to this moment. He feels grateful. Meaning The story suggests that fate is mysterious but perhaps benevolent.

Day of the bombing

Years later in New York

End of story