Answer: One universal theme that is explored in all three works we read this quarter is the idea of fate vs. free will. The characters in Oedipus the King, Inferno, and Julius Caesar are all faced with decisions and actions that ultimately shape their destiny, making it clear that their choices have a significant impact on their lives.
In Oedipus the King, the concept of fate is central to the plot. Oedipus is told that he will kill his father and marry his mother, but despite his best efforts to avoid this fate, he ultimately fulfills the prophecy. This is a clear example of how the choices we make can ultimately shape our lives, regardless of our best intentions. Similarly, in Inferno, the idea of fate is explored through the idea of divine justice and punishment. Dante's journey through Hell is a testament to the idea that the choices we make in life can lead to predetermined consequences.
In Julius Caesar, the theme of fate vs. free will is also present. Caesar's ultimate fate, his assassination, is foretold by a number of omens, yet he refuses to believe that his destiny is set in stone. Ultimately, his refusal to heed these warnings leads to his downfall, highlighting the idea that our choices can have serious consequences. These examples demonstrate how classical literature is still relevant to modern human lives because the themes of fate vs. free will are universal and timeless. Through these works, we are reminded that the choices we make in life can have lasting impact on our destinies, and that it is up to us to determine the course of our lives.
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