This observation is not a ground-breaking one, yet I cannot keep it out of my mind. In a baffling number of Greek tragedies, a prophecy is the beginning of the story. Then, the plot unfolds as the characters do everything within their power to avoid said prophecy, which is usually not so great. In the end, they encourage the prophecy's fulfillment simply by knowing about it and trying to avoid it.
Clearly, these characters were unaware of the infinite amount of stories that illustrate the same situation. Or, maybe they weren't, because I'm quite aware of this flaw that has appeared so many times, yet, I still wish that I knew my future. Sure, everyone says, "It's the journey, not the destination,", and I can appreciate that and understand the validity of that statement. However, how many of us would walk away from a chance to know what was to come, good or bad? I doubt that I would.
Then, I observed this from a more personal standpoint. I have this intense fear of the dark. Why would that be? Because I fear the unknown. I fear tomorrow and things that I cannot see, analyze, or know the nature of. This fear also contributes to my constant desire for knowledge and is probably why I'm considered one of "smart kids". So, if I were given the chance to neutralize this fear, and did, then, personally, I would feel no compulsive desire to learn more. Therefore, without my fear, I stop thinking.
The point is that we are not meant to know our personal destinies. If we did, we would cease to think, sit back, and wait for the magic to happen.
P.S. I commented on Lucy Beth's post.
Good point Alexandra. It is often our fear that leads us to "reach for the stars" and "fufill our destinies." It is a fear of the unknown, a fear of failure.
ReplyDeleteNow to touch on the prophesy in Agamemnon. As you pointed out, in most Greek tragedies, the characters are always trying to avoid the fufillment of bad prophecies, however, in Agamemnon, Cassandra took the actions that she knew would lead to her death. Why would she do this? Did she have a greater knowledge of fate than most other greek heros (knowing that running from her fate would only cause more trouble)? Or could it be a fear of the unknown? She knew what would happen if she entered Agamemnon's house, yeah, she would die, but she knew what would happen. However, if she refused she did not know what the outcome would be, yeah she might live for a while longer, but she did not know how it would turn out.
Interesting take; I have never thought to consider my fear as part of my motivation to pursue anything. I know what I want, but I don't know how to get there or if I even will. But this leads me to wonder, even if I knew without a doubt where I am bound to go, would I sit down and wait? I have heard that good things come to those who wait; I have also heard you cannot wait your life away, you have to start the process. I think the affirmation of achieving my goals would make me work harder for them, instead of waiting. Maybe that's just the great impatience in me talking.
ReplyDeleteKudos, though. I sincerely enjoyed reading this!