I think Hamlet himself  sees a balance between the two.  In Act 5 he says, "There is a divinity that shapes our ends, rough hew them how we will."  He knows that his actions are his choice and he must live with the consequences, but some of the circumstances in which he must take action are not in his control. 

Ah, something that can be argued either way!  These are the fun types of discussion questions!  I am a BIG believer in free will, and Hamlet is no exception.  No, Hamlet didn't choose for his father to be murdered nor did Hamlet choose for incest to arise within his family, but his actions, however, are under his control.  If they weren't, then Hamlet truly was insane (yet another interesting and controversial argument).  Hamlet could have chosen not to "put an antic disposition on" and therefore not driven Ophelia to insanity.  Hamlet could have acted less rashly and not stabbed Poloniusbehind the arras.  Hamlet could have killed Claudius while he was kneeling in church.  The...

(The entire section contains 4 answers and 568 words.)