Comparing Free Will In Henley's Invictus 'And Truman Show'

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Over the course of our 8th-grade year, we have discussed the themes of faith, fate, and free will. This theme prompts us to examine how much control we have over our lives. By examining William Ernest Henley's "Invictus," Daniel Beaty's "Knock Knock," and Peter Weir's film "The Truman Show," we will see how this theme interplays with these works of art. In Henley's "Invictus," the speaker courageously confronts the unyielding grip of fate, refusing to be subdued. Henley's words, "In the fall clutch of circumstance / I have not winced nor cried aloud" (lines 5-6), underscore a spirit that resolutely stands against adversity. Similarly, Daniel Beaty's "Knock Knock" delves into the constraints of fate as a son is separated from his imprisoned father. The line, "And my mama takes me on a ride past corn fields on this never-ending highway 'til we reach a place of high rusty gates" (Beaty), highlights the barriers set by fate. In "The Truman Show," Truman Burbank's life is meticulously controlled by Christof, representing an omnipotent force shaping Truman's fate. Christof's manipulation is a stark reminder of how fate can script our lives, creating an illusion of reality. …show more content…

In "Invictus," the speaker expresses gratitude for an "unconquerable soul" (line 4), suggesting that faith in one's inner strength provides resilience against adversity. In "Knock Knock," the father's message to his son is imbued with faith: "Knock knock with the knowledge that you are my son, but you are not my choices" (Beaty). This line highlights the belief that everyone has the potential to shape their destiny despite challenges like a father's absence. Truman's journey in "The Truman Show" is driven by his growing faith in his instincts and quest for the truth. This faith leads him to challenge his fabricated reality and pursue genuine

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