The White Giraffe

The concept of fate refers to the idea that outside forces or higher powers predetermine the direction of a person’s life and that their path is inevitable regardless of the choices they make. The idea of destiny, however, presents a more hopeful outlook on life where a person may have a one-of-a-kind path to follow, but the choices they make influence their trajectory, steering them toward a particular outcome or end goal. Through Martine’s transition from terrified orphan to brave animal healer, Lauren St. John explores the role of fate and destiny as Martine Allen must accept the fated parts of her life that she cannot change and choose to embrace her destiny through a new journey. Just before her parents die in a tragic house fire, Martine’s father says to her, “You have to trust, Martine. Everything happens for a reason” (6), but as she finds herself suddenly orphaned with no home, Martine struggles to see the good in the ashes of her life. Refusing to submit to the forces of fate, whether natural or divine, Martine resists the idea of moving to South Africa. However, left with few choices as an 11-year-old, Martine submits to the power of fate and agrees to move.