How Do Cultural Beliefs About Destiny Influence Character Choices In Epic Literature Compared To Contemporary Novels?
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Introduction
Cultural beliefs about destiny significantly shape character choices in epic literature and contemporary novels. This influence can be seen through character motivations, narrative conflicts, and resolutions, showcasing how the understanding of fate impacts the development of stories across different genres.
The Impact of Destiny in Epic Literature
In epic literature, such as Homer's 'Iliad' and Virgil's 'Aeneid', characters grapple with the profound concept of fate versus free will. These epic narratives emphasize that destinies are often preordained by divine powers or societal expectations, leading to significant consequences for the characters. Important figures like gods or fate itself guide the journeys of both heroes and regular characters, creating an unavoidable sense of fatalism. A prominent example is Achilles, whose fate is defined by prophecy and the repercussions of his actions as a warrior.
- Characters frequently confront unavoidable destinies.
- Divine forces often influence or confirm the direction of events.
Exploring Destiny in Contemporary Novels
Conversely, contemporary novels frequently depict destiny as a more fluid concept, closely linked to individual choices and societal factors. Characters in modern narratives often embody self-determination, illustrating psychological conflicts and ethical dilemmas rather than strict fate. For instance, in Paulo Coelho's modern classic 'The Alchemist', characters embark on personal quests that embody the belief that they can actively shape their destinies through conscious choices. This viewpoint highlights the potential for altering one's fate through actions and self-exploration.
- Character agency is a central theme.
- Destiny is portrayed as a journey shaped by personal decisions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while epic literature typically presents destiny as an unalterable force directing character choices, contemporary novels increasingly promote the notion of self-directed paths where individual choices are critical. This shift in portrayal reflects broader cultural changes in attitudes towards fate and free will, indicating that storytelling continues to reflect our evolving understanding of these themes.
Expert Quote
Dr. Joseph Campbell, Mythologist and Author
The hero’s journey illustrates the tension between fate and free will, where the true strength lies in the choices made along the journey to our destinies.
The Hero with a Thousand Faces, 1949
Relevant Links
Can somebody please seriously in detail explain why Citizen Kane ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/1rerei/can_somebody_please_seriously_in_detail_explain/The Author's Guide to Writing Fantasy Characters
https://www.dabblewriter.com/articles/fantasy-charactersComparison of Odyssey translations : r/classics
https://www.reddit.com/r/classics/comments/yrj49k/comparison_of_odyssey_translations/Fate - Epic Poetry of Homer and Virgil
https://library.fiveable.me/key-terms/epic-poetry-homer-and-virgil/fateBattle of the Epics – Iliad and Mahabharata | Shweta Taneja
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