C13. Shakespeare and Free Will

Do we or the stars shape our destiny? Julius Caesar examines that question. Do witches, wives, or innate drives dictate our actions? Macbeth makes us wonder. Both plays use the assassination of a national leader to explore the nature of evil and the concept of personal choice.  In Shakespeare’s era, free will was much debated, challenged both by classical notions of astrological influence and religious doctrines like predestination. This class will consider how both plays addressed then and address now the concept of free will.

INSTRUCTOR: Helen Whall - After finishing her Ph.D. at Yale University, Helen joined the faculty at The College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA. There she taught Shakespeare and the Renaissance as well as modern drama, frequently writing on both subjects. Since retiring in 2017, Helen has offered several courses for WISE.  

REQUIRED BOOKS: Julius Caesar, Folger edition preferred (free online) Paperback available; Macbeth, Folger edition preferred (free online) Paperback available