Theme in Shakespeares Julius Caesar
In Williams Shakespeare’s tragedy Julius Caesar, the play discusses the battle between free will and fate through metaphors and symbolism. The play debates how fate is determined either by a characters actions or by some greater power above. Shakespeare argues for free will by having Caesar state, “Men at some time are masters of their fates. The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves, that we are underlings.” By this quote, Shakespeare is explaining how men are in control of their future and can not simply blame the stars because of their own selfish actions. Shakespeare uses a metaphor comparing the fates to the stars in order to show how the powers come from above and are completely out of our control. Conversely, Shakespeare discusses fate through, “Of all the wonders that I have heard, It seems to me most strange that men should fear; Seeing death, a necessary end, Will come when it will come.” In the quote, Shakespeare argues that your death can not be determined by you but by a greater force that will not consider you actions in its own plans. In the quote above Shakespeare uses death as a symbol of fates role throughout our lives. Throughout the play, Shakespeare shows both points of views by using metaphors and symbols to further explain the differing stances.
Free Will vs. Fate
In Williams Shakespeare’s tragedy Julius Caesar, the play discusses the battle between free will and fate through metaphors and symbolism.
Free Will
"Men at some time are masters of their fates. The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves, that we are underlings."
Fate
"Of all the wonders that I have heard,It seems to me most strange that men should fear; Seeing death, a necessary end,Will come when it will come."