In different philosophies and literary works, the ideas of fate and free will have always contradicted each other, creating tension. The difference between the two concepts is evident; free will advocates choice and the ability to shape your own future, while fate governs your actions for the rest of your life, similar to the Calvinist belief of predestination in regards to salvation. Having such distinct natures, how is it possible for these two ideas to coexist and sometimes merge into one being containing both of their qualities? To understand their coexistence, situations from different works must be analyzed.
Not long ago, I watched the film Minority Report by Steven Spielberg, and I noticed John Anderton’s struggle against fate. Although …show more content…
I enjoyed Ella Wilcox’s comparison of free will and fate to the soul and the winds, respectively. Two such diverse ideas, however, cannot exist in harmony for long -- soon enough, conflicts will break out, and only one idea will become victorious.
Free will and fate can both control one’s life. How can the reader understand which one is guiding the character’s actions? In the play Oedipus by Sophocles, Oedipus makes multiple decisions; for example, deciding to leave Corinth to avoid marrying his mother. How can the reader judge which of the two ideas governed his actions? I think Thomas Hawkins completely answers the question in his “Fate vs. Free Will”, emphasizing the uncertainty of readers:
. . .do the choices that we make, determine how life goes?
I'd like to think this is the case, but who amongst us knows?
With the multiple questions posed in his poem, it is clear that the influences of fate and free will in literary works is highly debatable. Fate and free will can both participate in someone’s life, sometimes resulting in a vicious quarrel and other times temporarily coexisting in peace. The difference between their natures will cause them to squabble for
Not long ago, I watched the film Minority Report by Steven Spielberg, and I noticed John Anderton’s struggle against fate. Although …show more content…
I enjoyed Ella Wilcox’s comparison of free will and fate to the soul and the winds, respectively. Two such diverse ideas, however, cannot exist in harmony for long -- soon enough, conflicts will break out, and only one idea will become victorious.
Free will and fate can both control one’s life. How can the reader understand which one is guiding the character’s actions? In the play Oedipus by Sophocles, Oedipus makes multiple decisions; for example, deciding to leave Corinth to avoid marrying his mother. How can the reader judge which of the two ideas governed his actions? I think Thomas Hawkins completely answers the question in his “Fate vs. Free Will”, emphasizing the uncertainty of readers:
. . .do the choices that we make, determine how life goes?
I'd like to think this is the case, but who amongst us knows?
With the multiple questions posed in his poem, it is clear that the influences of fate and free will in literary works is highly debatable. Fate and free will can both participate in someone’s life, sometimes resulting in a vicious quarrel and other times temporarily coexisting in peace. The difference between their natures will cause them to squabble for