Can We Really Predict the Future?

In the chapter "Safari" from the novel A Visit from the Goon Squad, author Jennifer Egan employs a writing technique that is not typically used, the use of flash forwards. Throughout the story, Egan writes little snapshots of character's futures and readers start considering what actions the characters did in the present that affected the character's futures for better, or for worse.

In "Safari", Egan highlights a theory called The Butterfly Effect, a theory that states that every decision one makes, no matter how little, will effect and potentially alter their future in someway. In "Safari" Egan exemplifies the Butterfly Effect with her use of flash forwards. As readers know character's fates, little actions characters perform can seem very impactful to character's futures.

The concept of the Butterfly Effect could drive individuals to live in fear and be extremely cautious with their actions. But, living in fear is useless, because there is no true telling of what the future will hold or what altering effects individual's actions will have on their futures.

Also, if every action can potentially alter an individual's future there is really no way to predict the future because it is constantly evolving. Having the knowledge of one's future is futile because it is not set in stone. Egan exemplifies the fact that knowing one's future is useless knowledge by giving the readers the ability to see character's futures by showing that there is really nothing readers can do with that knowledge. All readers can do is continue to flip through the pages and enjoy the unpredictable ride.