When questioned, Sasi says he believes that fate “always leads us where we are meant to be.” What do you think of this statement? Do you agree? How much control do the characters have over their fates?
I believe that is true. Whatever is meant to be will happen. I don’t think you can change fate.
I don’t believe in fate. I also don’t believe that people are in 100% control over their lives. That Sasi or any of the characters in the book believe in fate doesn’t surprise me as historically people were much more superstitious and influenced by magic or religion. Characters have choices that influence outcomes to a significant degree. Semiramis chose to begin an affair with Ninus which ultimately led to her becoming Queen.
To say that fate leads us to where we are meant to be implies that we have no control over our fates. This is, to me, the same as the Christian doctrine of predestination promoted by some theologians; i.e. that God foreordains all that will happen, including the salvation of some and not others. The question becomes what is the purpose of living?