Question

Explain what Marlowe is trying to say about fate and free will in Doctor Faustus. Use textual evidence to support your points.

Answer 1

Answer:

Faustus believes that the decision—selling his soul—is his own; however, his own blood does not cooperate as it congeals upon being cut. Marlowe may be trying to show that Faustus’s soul is trying to stop him from making this choice. Or Marlowe may be showing that Faustus is already one of the dam*ned (under Calvinist theology), so it does not matter what he chooses. Another idea is that Marlowe is showing that God is a part of everyone’s soul, and that God does not want Faustus to do this.

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Explanation:

Answer 2

Marlow is rather ambiguous in his work Doctor Faustus when it comes to fate and free will.
On one hand, it is implied that Faustus has the opportunity to choose his own destiny, to make the appropriate decision, repent for his sins, and then he will be saved. One of the angels tells him the following:
"Faustus, repent yet, God will pity thee." (Act II Scene III)

On the other hand, however, it is implied several times throughout the work that Faustus's decisions don't really matter - his life was preordained, meaning that destiny chooses what happens with him and his life. This leads us to believe that regardless of his desires, Faustus would always go down the 'evil' path because ultimately that wasn't even his decision - it was what destiny picked for him.