Fate Versus Free Will In Julius Caesar

Fate versus free will – this is one of the many philosophies that William Shakespeare examines in Julius Caesar. There are two interesting forces, fate and free will throughout the play that are fighting for control over men. Fate was shown in the many prophecies and omens that characters viewed throughout Act II. Free will was the characters ability to overcome their fate. Shakespeare shows a delicate balance between the two forces. In Act II Caesar’s fate seemed most obvious to him and the reader. However, Caesar used his free will to ignore his destiny, which fate presented. When Decius asks Caesar to go to the senate Caesar replies, “Calphurnia here, my wife, stays me at home. She dreamt tonight she saw my statue, which, like a fountain

Later in Act II, Artemidorus has written a letter to Caesar that could’ve also prevented his fate but that he chose not to act on. The letter says, “Caesar, beware of Brutus; take heed of Cassius, come not near Casca; have and eye to Cinna; trust not Trebonius; make well Metellus Cimber; Decius Brutus loves thee not; thou hast wronged Caius Ligarius. There is but one mind in all these three men, and it is bent against Caesar. If thou beest not immortal, look about you: securily gives way to conspiracy. The mighty gods defend thee! Thy lover, Artemidorus.” (2.3.1-9) This evidence further proves that Artemidorus was trying to warn Caesar of the conspirators by waiting for Caesar to pass by so he can give him the letter. If only Caesar has received Artemidorus’s letter, he may have still lived. Throughout Act II, fate was displayed in many prophecies and omens that Caesar encountered. Julius Caesar chooses his free will and ignores his fate. Many people tried to warn him. How many times has he been told not to go to the senate! In his arrogance, he follows his free will and