The concept of fate and free will has been a recurring theme in literature and has been explored in various forms. In William Ernest Henley's poem "Invictus" and William Shakespeare's play "Julius Caesar," the ideas of fate and free will are prominent. Both the works present different perspectives on the interplay between fate and free will. This essay will discuss the ideas of fate and free will in "Invictus" and "Julius Caesar," with relevant text evidence and citations.
In "Invictus," Henley presents the idea of free will as the driving force that shapes one's destiny. The speaker in the poem declares: "I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul" (Henley 10-11). Here, the speaker asserts that he is in control of his life, and his actions determine his future. The poem emphasizes the power of the human will, which can overcome any obstacle and emerge victorious. Henley's poem suggests that individuals have the power to shape their destiny and achieve their goals through their determination and willpower.
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In the play, the character of Caesar is depicted as a man who believes in the power of fate. In Act 1, Scene 2, Caesar remarks: "The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, But in ourselves, that we are underlings" (Shakespeare 141-142). Here, Caesar suggests that fate is beyond human control and that individuals are at the mercy of their destiny. He implies that people are powerless in the face of fate, and their actions are