The Time Traveler's Wife

The novel poses this question: How much of life is controlled by free will, and how much of it is predetermined? In Clare’s case, fate plays a strong role. Henry’s appearance in her life when she is a child structures and guides her decisions. Henry has seen her future, and to a small extent, he informs her of what it will look like. She knows her destiny is to marry him, even if she doesn’t know all the details.

When she meets Henry in his present, Henry’s prophecies come true. However, one could argue that Henry shaped her perspective, that it wasn’t fate that directed her, but Clare following what Henry said would happen. She knew she was meant to marry him; thus, she saved herself for him emotionally instead of exploring deep relationships with other people. Her life was not pre-destined, perhaps, but a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Niffenegger leaves the role of fate up to the reader. Clare remains by Henry’s side in spite of his erratic nature. One could contend that this is predetermined, that Clare lacks agency. Her life unfolds the way that it’s supposed to; Henry knows it, and there are no other possible alternatives.