Consummatum est.- It's over. Dr. Faustus speaks these words in the fifth scene of the play of the same name, well before the work actually ends. For what? Because, in his mind, his role is over. Destiny now rules his life, and despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, he stubbornly asserts that he cannot change what he sees as his destiny. In his usual fashion, Marlowe explores a very controversial theme among his contemporary audiences in his play Dr. . False. The Calvinist doctrine of predestination, or the idea that God has already chosen those who will be saved, had gained ground in Elizabethan England, particularly within the Puritan movement of the Anglican Church. Marlowe was no doubt familiar with this modification of the age-old idea that everyone's fate is already decided. This debate obviously helped him create his own version of Faust. In the prologue, Marlowe begins his characterization: In more mature years he went to Wittenburg, while his parents mainly raised him. Very soon he profited by divinity, the fruitful intrigue of learning was honoured, that soon he received the name of physician, surpassing all whose sweet delights dispute the heavenly questions of theology. (Marlowe 345) From this introduction, the reader learns several valuable pieces of information. First, Faustus is from Wittenburg, the birthplace of the Protestant movement which includes Calvinism. Second, Faustus is a doctor of theology. Marlowe compellingly attempts to connect his creation, Dr. Faustus, to the theological authorities who argued for the doctrine of predestination. This bond is further strengthened when Faustus' fatalism becomes apparent. Out in the open...... middle of paper ...... believes his life is beyond his own control, even though he is the only character who has done anything. important decisions across the room. Because of the many times he refuses divine help and rejects the idea that he has control over his life, Faustus's stubborn belief that he cannot be saved appears almost comically tragic to the audience. The reader feels that Faustus is using fatalism as a justification for doing what he wants. This may be Marlowe trying to draw attention to a condition he has noticed in his society. For Faustus, fatalism became a self-fulfilling prophecy. Marlowe manipulated the legend of Faust to comment on a widely held belief in his society. Because of his atheistic tendencies, Marlowe was able to examine religious beliefs objectively, and through Dr. Faustus he urged his audience to reflect on the Calvinist view of predestination..