“Fate and Destiny”
Fate and Destiny are two of the main themes, or one theme if you prefer to phrase it so, in The Battle of the Sun, by Jeanette Winterson. The main character, a boy named Jack, is kidnapped by a dark alchemist who strives to turn the city of London to gold. The alchemist, otherwise known as the Magus, needs Jack because Jack is the only one who can help the Magus complete his dream. Jack is forced into making a decision about keeping his friends and family safe by helping the Magus, or risking all of their lives trying to escape from, and defeat, him. The Magus tells him, “You are the Radiant Boy . . . the boy that is written in the ancient books of life, and when your power is added to mine, there is nothing that we shall not accomplish.” (Winterson 58). However, Jack is unimpressed with his kidnapping and doesn’t agree with the Magus’ dreams. His defiance to the Magus changes his Destiny, which in turn changes his Fate.
“Fate and Destiny,” by Robert Grimes, discusses whether or not Fate can be chosen. Grimes explains that people believe “Destiny is open” (Grimes 11) and “Fate is sealed” (Grimes 11). But then contradicts his initial question with another, that acts as an answer to the first, “If our Destiny has yet to be chosen but our Fate is sealed, then is not our Destiny already chosen, /but unseen to us until the opportune moment?” (Grimes 13-14). Winterson seeks to answer the same question; however, she takes a different approach. The fact that Jack is able to change his Destiny is what leads to the change of his Fate, or so we think. The Magus is the one that tells us of Jack’s “Fate,” so from the beginning we have a biased perspective. What if Jack’s fate was really to defeat the Magus? What if it actually was to turn evil; and if so, did he change his fate? The basis of these questions is explored in both pieces of literature, but it is the perspective of the author that changes the answer.
I think that a person's fate and destiny are determined by his or her mindset. Both fate and destiny are linked and have an alternating cause and effect relationship but a person has control over both aspects. As you say in your first AP prompt response, "Jack simply desires to return home to his mother and to defeat the Magus." His heart is in a good place and his motives are morally sound unlike the Magus. Because of this, no matter what fate or destiny originally exists for him, he will change or control it because of his determination to act in ways that are good rather than evil. You said in your presentation that Jack was able to accomplish both tasks laid infront of him, defeat the Magus and save his mother. Because of his dedication to this purely "good" mindset he is destined to have an outcome that is in his favor.
ReplyDeleteI like the connections you made that directly apply to your novels; specifically that they are not superficial comparisons, but ones that go deeper to analyze a central theme in your novel. Along with these connections, I think there are specific attributes to the poem that make the writing style unique as well. While reading this poem, I found that near the end, the constant use of rhetorical questions made me begin to answer those questions in my mind. Though there is no right or wrong answer, the writing style Grimes uses is unique in its interaction with the reader by allowing the reader to subconsciously form an opinion.
ReplyDeleteThe repetition of fate and destiny, is extremely obvious, and I especially liked the connection you made with the repetition in fours, as opposed to threes. As you mentioned, this number is a fairy tale number which correlates to more aspects to your author. The repetition is also fairytale-like as it engrains certain words, showing emphasis and slowing down the tempo of the poem to elaborate on the similarities and differences of fate and destiny. The interesting part, is Grimes never elaborates on his views of fate and destiny, he leaves all the interpretation up to us.
I loved your valentine and how it connected with your presentation. Also, the cupcakes were awesome. Although I didn’t really hear this theme come through in your presentation, I was fascinated by the thought of destiny vs. fate. Your poetry essay began to delve into the subject but I know the poetry essays didn’t have to be too lengthy so I wanted to add my own thoughts to this interesting subject. I’ve always thought of the two as basically the same but in line 11 when Grimes says that “Destiny is open” but “Fate is sealed” it made me think about the truth in his statement.
ReplyDeleteFurthermore, he opens a paradox by stating, “If our Destiny has yet to be chosen but our Fate is sealed, then is not our Destiny already chosen, but unseen to us until the opportune moment?” That line, to me, is so crazy, because it is absolutely true. I really wish we could have a Socratic Seminar because this would be a great question to ponder. Anyways, is it possible that fate is what is your future but with the want to change yourself and control your circumstance, you control your destiny? Maybe, the real question is which of these is the object of man’s control. I’m not completely sure, but I feel as though one can do tasks to make their future different. But it just reinstates the question that did God, or the world, already know about your future action? Thus, that also is a paradox. Definitely comment on this! I’d love to hear what you think!