This phrase carries a significant freight. Although it might be read as one more occasion
                     in which Victor yields up his distinctive identity, substituting an obscure destiny
                     in the process of fulfillment for his innate responsibility for events, in fact this
                     necessity is driven by his own remorse, which is so acute that it can never be assuaged.
                     Although he seems unaware of what he is doing, he is actually claiming responsibility
                     for that destiny.