The Beatryce Prophecy

In Chapter 20, during a discussion between the king and his advisor, the king reaffirms that his prophecy came true by saying, “We must act to make our fate come true” (83). Ironically, the king says this about a prophecy, but this sentiment is the exact opposite of prophecy because it reinforces the idea that people make their own choices and can decide on whatever destiny they want, ideas supported throughout the novel. Through Beatryce’s mermaid story, Jack and the others rescuing Beatryce, and the counselor’s character arc, The Beatryce Prophecy explores how the characters have control over what happens to them.

As a storyteller controls the direction of stories, a person’s choices determine their destiny. Much like Beatryce does with the mermaid’s story, the characters can choose to follow whatever path they want. When Beatryce first arrives in the dungeon, she is alone and afraid, and she does not feel she has control over what happens to her. The mermaid story gives her something to focus on so she can move past her feelings of helplessness, which is reflected in the story’s setup of a mermaid who has a beautiful life. After

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