The Immortalists

Fate is a central theme of the novel—each character negotiates with this concept in his or her own way. It is both a constructive and destructive element, urging characters towards self-actualization and destruction.

In terms of self-actualization, the predictions cause Simon and Klara to take huge risks. Simon recalls the time in Bruna’s apartment, saying, “He remembers the cards he chose—four spades, all of them black—and the hideous shock of the date she gave him” (97). However, he does not let the fear stop him. Instead, the prediction spurs him to take action, leaving home as a teenager and becoming an artist. Without Bruna’s urging, Simon would not have had the courage to move. Similarly, Bruna’s prediction piques Klara’s interest in magic, something she has great skill in. Without being revealed to this form of expression, Klara might never have pursued her dream of becoming a magician and might have instead led an unfulfilling life.

Along with the potential for self-actualization comes that for self-destruction. When he is living with Robert, Simon feels as if everything is too perfect—his flourishing career and relationship. At this point, Simon begins to have unprotected sex, threatening his relationship and his own life. The knowledge that he would die soon makes him act recklessly, as if hastening the prediction into actuality.