Faustus gives to thee his soul. Ah, there it stay’d.Why should’st thou not? Is not thy soul thine own? (scene 5, lines 71-72)Faustus says this while he is signing the document that seals his fate. What do you think that Marlowe is trying to say about fate and free will in these lines and throughout the play?

In these lines and throughout the play, Marlowe seems to be exploring the complex relationship between fate and free will. Faustus's decision to sell his soul to the devil is an act of free will, yet it also seals his fate. This suggests that while individuals may have the power to make choices, these choices can also lead to predetermined outcomes.

In the context of the play, Faustus's decision to sell his soul is driven by his desire for knowledge and power, which he believes he can only achieve through supernatural means. This suggests that free will is not entirely free, but is influenced by external factors and personal desires.

Furthermore, the fact that Faustus is aware of the consequences of his actions, yet chooses to proceed anyway, suggests that individuals are not only capable of shaping their own fate, but are also capable of willingly accepting a tragic fate. This could be seen as a commentary on the human condition, where individuals often make choices that they know will lead to their downfall.

Overall, Marlowe seems to be saying that while fate and free will may seem to be opposing forces, they are actually intertwined. Our choices shape our fate, and our fate is a result of our choices.