Fatalism

Definition

Fatalism is the philosophical belief that all events are predetermined and inevitable, often implying that human actions cannot change the course of events. This idea suggests that individuals have limited control over their destinies, which resonates with themes of determinism where every action is a result of prior causes. Fatalism can create a sense of resignation to fate, as it emphasizes the futility of trying to alter what is meant to happen.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fatalism plays a significant role in naturalistic literature, where characters often seem trapped by their circumstances and unable to escape their fates.
2. The concept of fatalism is often depicted through characters who struggle against predetermined paths, highlighting themes of helplessness and inevitability.
3. In fatalistic narratives, the environment and hereditary factors heavily influence character decisions, showcasing the deterministic view that choices are not truly free.
4. Fatalism is closely linked to the broader philosophical discussions surrounding free will, raising questions about the extent to which humans can influence their lives.
5. Writers who incorporate fatalistic elements often aim to provoke reflection on the nature of existence and the human condition in a seemingly indifferent universe.

Review Questions

• How does fatalism relate to the themes of character agency in naturalistic literature?
  • In naturalistic literature, fatalism highlights the limited agency of characters, suggesting that their actions and choices are constrained by external factors like environment and heredity. This perspective often portrays characters as victims of their circumstances, reinforcing the idea that despite their desires or efforts, they remain subject to a predetermined fate. The tension between personal aspirations and fatalistic outcomes serves as a critical exploration of human resilience against inevitable forces.
• Discuss how fatalism interacts with the concept of determinism in shaping narrative outcomes within a story.
  • Fatalism and determinism both suggest that outcomes are beyond an individual's control; however, fatalism focuses more on resignation to fate while determinism emphasizes causality. In narratives, this interaction can create complex layers where characters might attempt to fight against predetermined paths but ultimately find themselves bound by their fates. This dynamic allows writers to explore themes of struggle and acceptance, revealing deeper truths about existence and human experience.
• Evaluate the implications of fatalism for understanding character motivations and conflicts in naturalist works.
  • The implications of fatalism for character motivations and conflicts in naturalist works are profound, as they force readers to reconsider notions of choice and free will. Characters often grapple with internal desires versus external limitations imposed by societal structures or biological inheritance. This conflict not only drives the narrative but also prompts a critical examination of what it means to be human in a world where much seems predestined, challenging readers to reflect on their own beliefs about destiny and autonomy.

Related terms

Determinism:

The philosophical doctrine that all events, including human actions, are determined by previously existing causes.

Existentialism:

A philosophical movement emphasizing individual freedom and choice, often in contrast to the fatalistic belief in predestination.

Predestination: The doctrine that God has eternally chosen those whom he intends to save, often used in religious contexts to discuss fate.