Self-Fulfilling Prophecies

Self-fulfilling prophecies, a term coined by psychologist Robert Merton, function under the idea that prophecies in of themselves have no power, but nonetheless come to pass solely due to a person’s belief in it. This phenomenon suggests that prophecies have no otherworldly or spiritual power, but are rather purely psychological. If awareness of the prophecy alone has the power to drastically change a person’s life choices, then it is the individual’s own self who is unknowingly manipulating their own fate. This occurrence demonstrates the impact of the perception of our fate. Whether the prophecy involves rising up to an impossible challenge, or failure and ruin; these perceptions can greatly impact one’s decisions based on how susceptible …show more content…
If the effects of the foretelling were only restricted to the confines of his unconscious it may be arguable how great of an impact it had. However, in the very beginning of the novel Vidal is seen to be entirely conscious of the ‘dangers’ foretold, mentally selecting which ones have the potential to fulfill the prophecy. The narrator reveals that Vidal is “mindful of his destiny, he had always been wary of any emotional contact with women”, and the readers receive a glimpse into his style of thinking when the narrator explains “Casilda, however, appeared so insubstantial, so distant, that he cast aside all precaution”; considering this moment occurred in the later years of Vidal’s life, it is safe to assume that his emotional barring of women has been cemented throughout the entirety of his life. For a foretelling dating back to his birth to continue to manifest into conscious thoughts, and even actions, throughout his adult-life is very telling. The fact that this point is made extremely early in the short story emphasizes just how profound and integral it was to the shaping of Vidal’s character and persona. Further reinforcing the impact on Vidal’s state of mind is made clear when the omniscient narrator states “her words rested on the boy like a deformity”, implying that the prediction was negatively and permanently twisted him in some fashion. …show more content…
Vidal’s entire life could arguably have been the product of Juana’s prophecy. Desperately seeking to deter the fulfillment, he secluded himself from society and continuously grew in violence. From this seclusion Vidal’s heart was figuratively encased in thick layers, preventing his emotional mental state from surfacing. It was through this trait, born from the isolation he subjected himself to due to the prophecy, that allowed him to become an infamous criminal. This trait enabled his criminalistic ways; throughout his criminalistic career he was only in true danger once, but “he was saved by his hardened heart”. The ability to elude justice further exacerbates Vidal’s pitiful life-style, and only encourages him to continue building emotional walls to the outside. However, from the love he deprived himself of, he only made himself more susceptible to its effects. Tolerance is built through steady exposure. Without going through any stages of romance, Vidal never built any resistance when coping with feelings of love or passion, potentially made worse by his probable years of longing. Despite the shell surrounding it, the heart itself was still soft. When his guard was let down for Casilda, she was able to easily melt his hardened heart. Instead of fleeing from the encroaching soldiers, “Vidal chose to fold her in a last