Through Crispin’s development throughout the novel, Avi explores the opposing concepts of will and fate and how belief in one or the other impacts an individual. As the novel opens, Crispin feels that his life is spinning out of control. Following the death of his mother, he loses the ox that is his only means of support. Not long after, he finds himself the center of an inexplicable manhunt whose aim is to bring about his death. After Father Quinel’s death, with no hope of finding friendship or support in Stromford, Crispin sets out alone, wandering aimlessly. His interpretation of these unfortunate events hinges on his perception of God as a source of fate, or unavoidable destiny, leaving people like him with little or no say in the outcomes of their lives. To make sense of his worsening situation, therefore, Crispin assumes he must have done something to anger God, who seems to be punishing him.

Crispin’s assumptions are tested and questioned after he falls in with Bear. Bear quickly comes to resent Crispin’s tendency to remain passive. For instance, after Bear guesses that Crispin doesn’t like him, Crispin responds, “I have no choice,” then adds “God’s will be done” (82).