The Great Chain Of Being In Macbeth

Summary

This video explores the Great Chain of Being, a medieval concept that organizes existence hierarchically, from God down to minerals. It discusses how this idea is crucial to understanding Shakespeare's 'Macbeth,' where the murder of King Duncan disrupts this divine order, leading to chaos in nature and society. The video highlights the consequences of such disruption, using references from both the play and historical sources. It suggests that Shakespeare may be commenting on the dangers of ambition and the moral implications of challenging the established order, engaging viewers to consider their own theories on these themes.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Great Chain of Being is a medieval concept that organizes the universe in a hierarchy of purity.
• 😀 At the top of the chain is God, followed by angels, humans, animals, plants, and minerals.
• 😀 The divine right of kings asserts that monarchs are chosen by God, making their authority unquestionable.
• 😀 Disruption of the Great Chain of Being leads to chaos and natural disturbances.
• 😀 Macbeth's murder of King Duncan signifies a profound disturbance in the natural order.
• 😀 Following Duncan's death, nature reacts with storms, darkness, and violent animal behavior.
• 😀 Shakespeare uses supernatural elements to illustrate the consequences of disrupting the divine order.
• 😀 Historical references, such as the Gunpowder Plot, suggest warnings to the audience about rebellion against authority.
• 😀 The unnatural events following Duncan's murder serve as a metaphor for societal disorder.
• 😀 Engaging with the text encourages readers to consider the implications of ambition and morality in the context of the Great Chain of Being.

Q & A

What is the Great Chain of Being?

The Great Chain of Being is a hierarchical structure that organizes all entities in the universe, with God at the top, followed by angels, humans, animals, plants, and minerals.

How does the Great Chain of Being relate to *Macbeth*?

In *Macbeth*, the disruption of the Great Chain of Being occurs when Macbeth murders King Duncan, who is believed to be divinely chosen, leading to chaos in nature and society.

What role does the divine right of kings play in the hierarchy?

The divine right of kings asserts that monarchs are chosen by God, making their authority unquestionable and any criticism of them a sin against God.

What natural disturbances are mentioned following Duncan's murder?

Following Duncan's murder, characters describe unnatural occurrences such as violent storms, darkness, and predatory behaviors among animals, symbolizing the disturbance of nature.

How does Shakespeare use supernatural elements in *Macbeth*?

Shakespeare incorporates supernatural elements like the floating dagger and Banquo's ghost to emphasize the themes of guilt and the disruption of natural order.

What is the significance of Lennox's observations after Duncan's murder?

Lennox's observations highlight the chaos in nature, suggesting that the murder of the king has angered the heavens and disrupted the natural order.

What historical context might Shakespeare be referencing with the Great Chain of Being?

Shakespeare may be referencing the Gunpowder Plot and the political tensions of his time, warning about the consequences of attempting to disrupt the established order.

How does the video suggest the audience should interpret Shakespeare's allusions?

The video encourages viewers to formulate their own theories about the implications of the Great Chain of Being and its disruptions as a way to enhance their essays and understanding of the play.

What was the literacy rate during the Elizabethan period, and how did it affect beliefs?

During the Elizabethan period, only about 30% of men and 10% of women could read and write, which contributed to widespread superstition as knowledge was primarily shared through word of mouth.

What does the old man's statement about the unnatural events signify?

The old man's comments about never witnessing such bad omens reflect the severity of the disturbance in the natural order and the collective anxiety surrounding Duncan's murder.