Free Will versus Fate

Throughout our lives, we are constantly being drilled with two concepts that may or may not explain the events that take place within our lives; the concepts of free will and fate. The idea of fate has dated back centuries ago and still exists today. Fate is the idea that all things happen because they are part of a blue print of our lives. Those who believe in fate believe nothing that we do, or experience is a coincidence. These events being the work of some supernatural being that has already mapped out the details and destinies of our lives before we were even born. Of course, the concept of fate is most commonly seen in religious groups today. However, it is not as common as it was decades ago due to the changes in technology, society, and ideas. Today most people believe in the concept of free will. Free will is the idea that each individual has a choice in how their lives will pan out. In Sophocles’ "Antigone", one can say that Sophocles was conveying the idea of Fate within the story. One can infer that the fates of the characters had been predetermined, and that it was no coincidence that Creon’s sudden awareness of his fate, and the events that followed were disastrous. After being informed that his actions will lead to his own demise, Creon set out to undo what has already been done. Thus leading in the death of the one’s he loved most; his son and wife. “Everything in my hands is crossed. A most unwelcome fate has leaped upon me.” (Sophocles 1164). The moral of the story is quite simple. No one can escape their fate, no matter how hard they try.