Reading 1001 discussion

4. The lives lived in The Colour seem to operate by two opposite poles -- those guided by an unknowable destiny or fate, and those guided by their own actions or ingenuity. Who lives by which in the novel, and what does it determine about them and about the author’s role in creating their lives. Whose destiny is actually at work, and is this also some sort of commentary about history itself?

Joseph was forcibly trying to change his life and changing locations did not change his fate. Harriet seemed to flow with the environment and ultimately was saved into a better life. Lilian struggled but when she let go, she came to peace.

Joseph was running from fate and destiny. He could not accept the consequences of his decisions.

Harriet was in tune with environment and she wanted the adventure. She embraced the new land and home. She only wanted to bring her father to her.

Lillian. I felt sorry for her. In her declining years, she was taken away from what she knew to a place that she had no dream of. She enjoyed music and other people and she was taken to a place where the wind howled and there was no social outlet for her. But she was willing to take care of animals and the garden. I really liked Lillian.