# Chance — Chapters explained

> Chapter companions for Chance by Joseph Conrad.

- [Epigraph](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/chance_se/chapters/epigraph.md): The epigraph, a quotation from Sir Thomas Browne, introduces the novel's central meditation on the role of Fortune or fate in human affairs, suggesting that while Fortune governs all things, human error lies in persistin
- [Dedication](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/chance_se/chapters/dedication.md): The book is dedicated to Sir Hugh Clifford, K.C.M.G., acknowledging his steadfast friendship as the reason for the book's existence.
- [Author's Note](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/chance_se/chapters/author-s-note.md): In the Author's Note, Joseph Conrad reflects on the genesis of the novel 'Chance,' explaining how he was initially torn between two narrative directions and ultimately decided to follow Captain Anthony's pursuit of Flora
- [Chance](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/chance_se/chapters/chance.md): The opening chapter of 'Chance' introduces the novel's narrative frame. The narrator, Marlow, recounts his meeting with Powell, a young man who has just passed his examination to become a second mate. Powell's story begi
- [Part I: The Damsel](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/chance_se/chapters/part-i-the-damsel.md): The chapter introduces Charles Powell, a young sailor who, after passing his examination, meets Marlow at an inn and secures a berth as second mate on the Ferndale. The narrative also introduces Flora de Barral, a young 
- [I: Young Powell and His Chance](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/chance_se/chapters/i-young-powell-and-his-chance.md): The chapter introduces Charles Powell, a young sailor, through a conversation with Marlow and the narrator. Powell recounts his start in life, including his encounter with the Senior Shipping-Master, also named Mr. Powel
- [II: The Fynes and the Girlfriend](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/chance_se/chapters/ii-the-fynes-and-the-girlfriend.md): Marlow recounts a late-night conversation with the Fynes about a young woman (Flora) who has run away with Captain Anthony. Mrs. Fyne reveals her radical feminist doctrine, which justifies a woman's disregard for others'
- [III: Thrift—and the Child](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/chance_se/chapters/iii-thrift-and-the-child.md): Marlow recounts the sudden and total financial ruin of de Barral, describing how his entire fortune vanished within twenty-four hours, leaving him destitute. The chapter explores the public perception of de Barral as a s
- [IV: The Governess](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/chance_se/chapters/iv-the-governess.md): Marlow recounts the governess's plot to abandon Flora de Barral. The governess, with her supposed nephew Charley, plans to leave Flora just as her father's financial empire collapses. Flora, unaware, enjoys a final ride 
- [V: The Tea-Party](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/chance_se/chapters/v-the-tea-party.md): Marlow is invited to the Fynes' cottage but instead proposes they come to his rooms for tea. Mrs. Fyne arrives and, over tea, discusses Flora de Barral's situation. She reveals that Flora has told Captain Anthony all abo
- [VI: Flora](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/chance_se/chapters/vi-flora.md): Mrs. Fyne tells Marlow about Flora de Barral's past. After her father's trial, Flora lived with a vulgar, cruel family in Limehouse, who tormented her. She fled to the Fynes' house in distress. Later, she was sent to Ham
- [VII: On the Pavement](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/chance_se/chapters/vii-on-the-pavement.md): Marlow continues his narrative, focusing on his conversation with Flora de Barral. She reveals her encounter with Captain Anthony, explaining that she had gone to the garden to keep a tryst with death, not love, but Anth
- [Part II: The Knight](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/chance_se/chapters/part-ii-the-knight.md): The chapter shifts focus to Captain Anthony, the 'Knight' of the title. Marlow describes Anthony's background as the son of a famous poet, his solitary life at sea, and his reputation. The narrative then moves to the Fyn
- [I: The Ferndale](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/chance_se/chapters/i-the-ferndale.md): Marlow reveals that he has been keeping in touch with Powell since their first meeting at the inn. He describes his attempts to track Powell's mysterious disappearances, which lead him to a secluded Essex creek. Marlow t
- [II: Young Powell Sees and Hears](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/chance_se/chapters/ii-young-powell-sees-and-hears.md): Marlow continues his narrative, focusing on Powell's early days aboard the Ferndale. Powell is struck by the unexpected youth of Captain Anthony's wife, a shock that upends his preconceived notions. He observes the crew'
- [III: Devoted Servants—and the Light of a Flare](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/chance_se/chapters/iii-devoted-servants-and-the-light-of-a-flare.md): Marlow reflects on the intertwined fates of Flora de Barral and Captain Anthony, while Powell observes the strained dynamics aboard the Ferndale. The captain's distant behavior toward his wife and her father, the mysteri
- [IV: Anthony and Flora](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/chance_se/chapters/iv-anthony-and-flora.md): Marlow continues his narrative, revealing the psychological mystery aboard the Ferndale. He recounts how Captain Anthony, after meeting Flora de Barral, insisted on marrying her to protect her from her father's return, d
- [V: The Great de Barral](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/chance_se/chapters/v-the-great-de-barral.md): This chapter focuses on the release of de Barral from prison and his reunion with his daughter, Flora, who has since married Captain Anthony. The reunion is strained, as de Barral is bitter and suspicious, while Flora tr
- [VI: … a Moonless Night, Thick with Stars Above, Very Dark on the Water](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/chance_se/chapters/vi-a-moonless-night-thick-with-stars-above-very-dark-on-the-water.md): Marlow visits Flora, now Mrs. Anthony, at a cottage where she recounts her marriage and the emotional turmoil with her father and husband. The chapter reveals Flora's initial reckless letter to Mrs. Fyne, her growing lov

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