Macbeth Great Chain Of Being

Macbeth and the Great Chain of Being: A Disruption of Cosmic Order

Shakespeare's Macbeth is a chilling exploration of ambition, guilt, and the consequences of defying natural order. Central to understanding the play's tragic trajectory is the concept of the Great Chain of Being, a hierarchical structure believed to govern the universe during the Elizabethan era. This article delves into the intricate relationship between Macbeth and this cosmological framework, examining how the play’s characters disrupt the chain, leading to widespread chaos and ultimately, their downfall. Understanding the Great Chain of Being provides a crucial key to unlocking the deeper meaning and enduring power of Shakespeare's masterpiece.

The Elizabethan Worldview: Understanding the Great Chain of Being

The Great Chain of Being was a fundamental belief system during Shakespeare's time. It depicted a hierarchical order extending from God at the apex, down through angels, celestial beings, the King, nobility, gentry, commoners, animals, plants, and finally, inanimate objects. Each link in this chain had its designated place and function, maintaining cosmic balance and harmony. Any disruption of this order was seen as a transgression against the natural world and divine law, resulting in chaos and suffering.

This rigid hierarchy extended to the social and political spheres. The King, divinely appointed, was considered God's representative on Earth, holding absolute authority. Subsequently, each social class had its assigned role and responsibilities. This divinely ordained system provided stability and order, with each element supporting and complementing the other. Disobedience to this established order was considered not only immoral but also unnatural.

Macbeth's Ambition: A Violent Rupture in the Chain

Macbeth's ambition acts as the catalyst for the play's unfolding tragedy. He violates the Great Chain of Being on multiple levels. Firstly, his regicide, the murder of King Duncan, represents the most egregious disruption of the chain. Duncan, as the divinely appointed king, occupies a crucial position within the hierarchical structure. By murdering him, Macbeth disrupts the divinely ordained order, unleashing chaos and violence. This act directly challenges the authority of God and the established social hierarchy, setting the stage for the ensuing reign of terror.

Furthermore, Macbeth's relentless ambition leads him to commit further acts of violence, further destabilizing the natural order. He eliminates potential rivals, Banquo and Macduff’s family, demonstrating a callous disregard for human life and the established social structures. These acts are not merely political maneuvers; they are violations of the natural order, reflecting a profound moral corruption. Each murder pushes Macbeth further away from his rightful place in the chain, accelerating his descent into madness and ultimately, his demise.

The Supernatural and the Chain: The Witches' Prophecy

The witches' prophecies play a significant role in Macbeth's downfall by preying on his ambition and manipulating his perception of his place within the Great Chain of Being. Their ambiguous pronouncements fuel his ambition, making him believe he is destined for greatness, thus justifying his actions. The prophecies cloud his judgment and blind him to the moral implications of his actions. They essentially corrupt his understanding of his place within the chain and encourage him to believe he can transcend his natural position, with catastrophic consequences.

The witches themselves represent a powerful disruption of the Great Chain of Being. As supernatural beings operating outside the established order, they embody chaos and disorder. Their very presence challenges the established religious and social structures, contributing to the overall sense of instability that permeates the play. Their pronouncements are not just predictions; they are catalysts, actively influencing the events of the play and furthering Macbeth's descent into tyranny.

Lady Macbeth's Role: Ambition and the Inversion of Gender Roles

Lady Macbeth is a complex character whose ambition mirrors and, in some ways, surpasses Macbeth's. She actively manipulates her husband, urging him to commit regicide and seize the throne. Her ambition is particularly noteworthy in the context of the Great Chain of Being, as it challenges the established gender roles of the Elizabethan era. Women were expected to be submissive and supportive of their husbands, playing a secondary role in social and political life. Lady Macbeth's ambition transcends this expectation, demonstrating a ruthless determination to acquire power, regardless of the moral implications.

Her ambition, however, represents a perversion of the natural order. By actively seeking power and control, she inverts the established gender roles, further contributing to the overall sense of disruption and chaos. Her eventual descent into madness can be interpreted as a consequence of violating this established order, reflecting the severe repercussions of challenging the divinely ordained roles assigned within the Great Chain of Being.

The Restoration of Order: Macduff's Revenge and the Consequences of Rebellion

The final act of Macbeth depicts the restoration of order, albeit at a heavy cost. Macduff, driven by a desire for revenge and a commitment to restoring the rightful order, kills Macbeth. This act of justice signifies the reestablishment of the Great Chain of Being, restoring balance to the kingdom and bringing an end to the tyranny. Macduff’s actions highlight the importance of maintaining the divinely ordained order and the consequences of defying it. The restoration of Malcolm to the throne symbolises the reassertion of legitimate rule and the return to a stable social hierarchy.

The play's conclusion, however, also underscores the lasting damage caused by Macbeth's rebellion. The widespread death and suffering caused by his actions leave an indelible mark on the kingdom. Even with the restoration of order, the scars of Macbeth's reign of terror remain, serving as a reminder of the dire consequences of violating the natural order.

The Play's Enduring Relevance: A Timeless Reflection on Power and Order

Macbeth's exploration of the Great Chain of Being remains powerfully relevant today. While the specific details of the Elizabethan worldview may be outdated, the play’s fundamental themes – ambition, power, justice, and the consequences of disrupting established order – continue to resonate with audiences. The play's enduring power stems from its ability to tap into universal human experiences and explore fundamental questions about morality, power, and the nature of justice.

The play's exploration of ambition and its destructive potential serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the dangers of unchecked desire and the importance of considering the ethical implications of our actions. The concept of the Great Chain of Being, although rooted in a specific historical context, provides a framework for understanding the play's central themes and the catastrophic consequences of disrupting established order, both societal and cosmic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How does the play's setting contribute to the theme of the Great Chain of Being?

A: The setting of a turbulent and war-torn Scotland emphasizes the disruption of natural order. The violent weather and unnatural occurrences, such as the witches' prophecies, reinforce the sense of chaos and instability that pervades the play, highlighting the consequences of Macbeth's actions against the established order.

Q: What role does fate versus free will play in relation to the Great Chain of Being?

A: The play explores the tension between fate and free will. While the witches' prophecies may seem to suggest a predetermined destiny, Macbeth ultimately chooses to act upon them, making his own free will choices that lead to disastrous consequences. This highlights the human agency within the framework of the established order.

Q: How does the play's language contribute to the depiction of the Great Chain of Being?

A: Shakespeare's powerful and evocative language reflects the disruption and restoration of the Great Chain of Being. The imagery of darkness, violence, and unnatural occurrences emphasizes the chaos caused by Macbeth's actions, while the restoration of order is reflected in a return to more balanced and natural imagery.

Q: How does Macbeth differ from other Shakespearean tragedies in its use of the Great Chain of Being?

A: While many Shakespearean tragedies explore themes of social and political disorder, Macbeth perhaps offers the most explicit and sustained engagement with the concept of the Great Chain of Being. The play directly addresses the consequences of violating this established cosmic order on a scale rarely seen in other works.

Q: Can the Great Chain of Being be interpreted as a metaphor for something else in modern contexts?

A: Yes, the Great Chain of Being can be seen as a metaphor for any hierarchical structure, be it social, political, or even ecological. The play's themes of disruption and restoration can be applied to modern issues concerning power imbalances, environmental degradation, and the consequences of ignoring established norms and regulations.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Disruption and Restoration

Macbeth stands as a powerful testament to the consequences of disrupting established order. By understanding the Great Chain of Being and its central role in the Elizabethan worldview, we gain a deeper appreciation of the play's dramatic tension and its enduring relevance. The play's exploration of ambition, power, and the consequences of defying established order continues to resonate with audiences, reminding us of the importance of moral responsibility and the fragility of social and cosmic harmony. The enduring legacy of Macbeth lies not only in its compelling narrative but also in its insightful examination of the human condition and the timeless struggle between order and chaos.