Bulfinch’s Mythology · Question
How does Bulfinch’s Mythology develop the theme of Fate and Free Will?
Answer
Bulfinch’s Mythology by Thomas Bulfinch develops Fate and Free Will across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Characters often struggle against prophecies and predetermined destinies, as with Oedipus or the fall of Troy, yet their choices and actions—like Ulysses' cunning—also shape outcomes, highlighting a tension between fate and agency.
The characters are caught between their own choices and the inescapable outcomes set by divine will or misunderstanding, as seen in the tragic ends of Pyramus and Thisbe and Cephalus and Procris.
The lovers' plan to defy their parents' prohibition ends in tragedy, highlighting the interplay of choice and destiny.
Despite Cephalus's faithfulness and Procris's gifts, a series of misunderstandings and coincidences lead to an inescapable tragic outcome, highlighting the interplay of choice and destiny.
Evidence in the book
- III: Apollo and Daphne—Pyramus and Thisbe—Cephalus and Procris
The characters are caught between their own choices and the inescapable outcomes set by divine will or misunderstanding, as seen in the tragic ends of Pyramus and Thisbe and Cephalus and Procris.
- Pyramus and Thisbe
The lovers' plan to defy their parents' prohibition ends in tragedy, highlighting the interplay of choice and destiny.
- Cephalus and Procris
Despite Cephalus's faithfulness and Procris's gifts, a series of misunderstandings and coincidences lead to an inescapable tragic outcome, highlighting the interplay of choice and destiny.
- Diana and Actaeon
Actaeon is described as being 'led thither by his destiny,' suggesting that his fate was predetermined, despite his innocent intentions.
- Phaëton
Despite Apollo's warnings and the clear dangers, Phaëton exercises his free will to pursue his desire, setting in motion his tragic fate.
- XIII: Nisus and Scylla—Echo and Narcissus—Clytie—Hero and Leander
Fate decrees Megara's safety depends on Nisus's lock; Scylla's choice to cut it defies fate but leads to tragedy. Leander's fate is sealed by the storm despite his will.
- Hero and Leander
Leander ignores storm warnings, choosing love over safety, leading to his fated drowning.
- XV: The Graeae or Gray-Maids—Perseus—Medusa—Atlas—Andromeda
Prophecies drive the actions of Acrisius and Atlas, yet Perseus actively shapes his destiny through courage.
