Sophie's World

Despite Sophie’s vigilant watch, she is unable to spot the “mystery man” (49) sending her letters. The next one she finds includes three new questions: “Do you believe in Fate? Is sickness the punishment of the gods? What forces govern the course of history?” (49). Sophie remembers times she has encountered fatalism in her everyday life: common superstitions and astrology. She acknowledges within herself that she is unsure if fate exists or what guides history—though she thinks the latter must simply be humans. In her thinking about free will, she realizes she has power in this situation with the philosopher and decides to write them a letter. She thanks them for their recent letters and asks that this person use their full name and possibly even come for coffee. That night, Sophie finally catches a glimpse of the writer: An older man sneaks up to the mailbox late at night. Her mother is worried, wondering what is causing Sophie’s obsession and assuming she must be in love. Sophie lets her believe this lie, wanting to maintain correspondence with the philosopher. When he writes back, he insists she not search for him or attempt to meet him; he will initiate the meeting when he feels it is time.