Fate

In Elizabethan England, the dominant religious view was that of predestination, incluenced by Protestant theologians such as John Calvin.  According to this belief, God's sovereignty predetermined the fate and ultimate salvation or damnation of individuals.  This notion of predestination had a profound impact on the Elizabethan worldview, shaping the understanding of human agency and the role of divine providence.

Shakespeare's plays often grapple with the question of fate versus free will.  Characters in his works frequently find themselves caught in the grip of seemingly inevitable destinies, facing circumstances they cannot control.  The idea of characters being at the mercy of fate is particularly evident in tragedies like Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth.

In Romeo and Juliet, the young lovers are tragically destined for death due to the feuding between their families.  Their choices and actions, while influencing the course of events, are ultimately shaped by the larger forces of fate and circumstance.  The play presents a poignant portrayal of the power of fate and its impact on human lives.
Similarly, in Macbeth, the titular character's ambition and thirst for power lead him to commit heinous acts, driven by the prophecy of the three witches. The play explores the themes of fate, free will, and the moral consequences of one's choices.  Despite Macbeth's agency in his cactions, the play suggests that his tragic downfall is ultimately predetermined by supernatural forces.

Shakespeare's treatment of fate is not simply deterministic, however.  While his plays acknowledge the influence of fate, they also highlight the importance of human agency and moral responsibility.  Characters often grapple with their own choices and struggle to shape their destinies, even in the face of external circumstances.

In Hamlet, for instance, the eponymous character grapples with the knowldege of  his father's murder and is torn between seeking revenge and the moral implications of taking another's life.  The play delves into existential questions of fate, free will, and the complexities of human decision- making.

Shakespeare's exploration of fate reflects the broader cultural and intellectual climate of Elizabethan England.  The concept of predestination influenced not only religious beliefs but also ideas about social hierarchy, political power, and the nature of human existence.  The tension between fate and free will was a subject of ongoing philosophical debate during this time.