Macbeth The Great Chain Of Being

Macbeth and the Great Chain of Being: When Order Collapses

Shakespeare's Macbeth is a chilling exploration of ambition, guilt, and the devastating consequences of disrupting the 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 in Shakespeare's time. This essay will delve into the intricate relationship between Macbeth and the Great Chain of Being, examining how its violation fuels the play's central conflict and ultimately leads to its catastrophic conclusion. We'll explore the characters' positions within this hierarchy, the consequences of their actions that disrupt it, and the resulting chaos that engulfs Scotland.

The Great Chain of Being: A Cosmic Hierarchy

The Great Chain of Being was a pervasive cosmological model in the Renaissance, depicting a rigid hierarchy extending from God at the apex down to inanimate matter at the base. Each element occupied a specific rung on this ladder, with its place dictated by its inherent nature and relationship to other beings. This chain encompassed:

• God: The supreme being, source of all creation and ultimate authority.
• Angels: Celestial beings, intermediaries between God and humanity.
• Humans: Occupying a pivotal position, capable of reason and free will, yet susceptible to sin and imperfection.
• Animals: Possessing instincts but lacking reason.
• Plants: Living organisms with limited capacity for movement or sensation.
• Minerals: Inanimate matter, lacking life and consciousness.

This hierarchical structure wasn't merely a classification system; it was believed to reflect a divine order, essential for cosmic harmony and stability. Any disruption of this order was seen as an affront to God and nature, leading to chaos and suffering.

Macbeth's Initial Position and the Prophecy's Impact

At the beginning of the play, Macbeth occupies a relatively high position within the Great Chain of Being. He is a valiant Scottish general, a noble warrior respected by King Duncan and his fellow countrymen. His position reflects his loyalty, courage, and adherence to the established social order. However, this stability is shattered by the witches' prophecy, a supernatural intervention that directly challenges the established hierarchy. The prophecy, predicting Macbeth's ascension to kingship, plants the seed of ambition, a force that ultimately drives him to violate the natural order.

The witches themselves represent a disturbing disruption of the Great Chain. As supernatural beings existing outside the established hierarchy, their presence foreshadows the coming chaos. They are agents of disorder, manipulating Macbeth and subtly pushing him towards regicide. Their ambiguous pronouncements exploit Macbeth's ambition, preying upon his desire for power and status, thus initiating a chain reaction that will unravel the established order.

The Act of Regicide and its Cascading Effects

Macbeth's murder of King Duncan is the pivotal moment where he directly transgresses the Great Chain of Being. Duncan, as the divinely appointed king, represents the earthly embodiment of God's authority. By assassinating him, Macbeth not only commits a heinous crime but also fundamentally undermines the divinely ordained order. This act of regicide creates a ripple effect, destabilizing the entire social and political structure of Scotland.

The consequences are immediate and devastating. The natural world itself seems to reflect the moral decay within the kingdom. Shakespeare uses vivid imagery of unnatural events, such as the disruption of the natural order, to emphasize the extent of the damage. The darkness and storms that plague Scotland following Duncan's murder are not simply atmospheric phenomena; they are symbolic representations of the moral and cosmic disharmony caused by Macbeth's act.

The Downward Spiral: Ambition, Guilt, and Tyranny

After the regicide, Macbeth's descent is relentless. His ambition, initially fueled by the witches' prophecy, becomes a consuming force, driving him to commit further acts of violence and tyranny. Each murder, each act of betrayal, further solidifies his position as an agent of chaos, pushing him further down the moral ladder, away from his initial position of respect and honor.

The play meticulously depicts Macbeth's psychological disintegration. The weight of his guilt manifests in vivid hallucinations, sleepwalking episodes, and a growing sense of paranoia. This mental deterioration reflects the breakdown of his inner order, mirroring the chaos he has unleashed upon the kingdom. He loses his place amongst the nobility; his kingship is a mockery of true authority.

Lady Macbeth's Role in the Disruption

Lady Macbeth, equally ambitious, plays a significant role in disrupting the Great Chain of Being. She actively encourages Macbeth's regicide, manipulating him through appeals to his masculinity and ambition. Her ambition, although initially powerful and forceful, ultimately leads to her own downfall. Her relentless pursuit of power causes a similar unraveling of her sanity, her sleepwalking scenes echoing Macbeth's descent into madness. Her ultimate suicide marks another devastating consequence of violating the natural order.

The Restoration of Order: Malcolm's Reign

The final act of the play witnesses the restoration of order, albeit at a great cost. Malcolm, Duncan's rightful heir, ascends the throne, symbolically reinstating the broken link in the Great Chain of Being. Malcolm's reign promises a return to stability and justice, a contrast to the tyranny under Macbeth's reign. However, the play doesn't shy away from acknowledging the lasting impact of Macbeth's actions; the scars of violence and upheaval remain, underscoring the devastating consequences of disrupting the natural order.

The ultimate restoration is not a simple return to status quo ante. It involves a rebuilding of the nation, the purging of the corruption instituted by Macbeth and the reaffirmation of divinely ordained authority. Malcolm's promise of justice and his emphasis on building a better society signals an attempt to heal the wounds inflicted by the disruption of the Great Chain.

Exploring the Scientific and Religious Aspects

The Great Chain of Being, although rooted in a pre-scientific worldview, intertwined religious and philosophical elements. Its hierarchical structure mirrored the divine order of creation, reflecting both the theological understanding of God's authority and the Aristotelian concept of a natural hierarchy. In Shakespeare's time, these concepts were interwoven, informing societal structures and belief systems. The disruption of this divinely ordained order, as depicted in Macbeth's actions, caused cosmic and social instability, impacting not only the political realm but also the natural world.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

A: The Scottish landscape, often depicted as wild and untamed, mirrors the chaos unfolding in the play. The storm scenes, unnatural events like the disappearance of the sun, and the general sense of unease reinforce the disruption of the natural order and the corresponding upheaval in the kingdom.

Q: What role does fate play in the disruption of the Great Chain?

A: While Macbeth's actions are driven by his own ambition, the witches' prophecy acts as a catalyst, setting the events in motion. The play explores the complex interplay between free will and fate, highlighting how the prophecy, while not deterministic, influences Macbeth's choices and contributes to the disruption of the order.

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

A: While many Shakespearean tragedies explore themes of power and ambition, Macbeth presents a particularly stark depiction of the consequences of disrupting the divinely ordained order. The play's focus on the supernatural and the pervasive imagery of disorder set it apart, highlighting the direct connection between moral transgression and cosmic upheaval.

Conclusion: A Timeless Exploration of Order and Chaos

Shakespeare's Macbeth remains a powerful and enduring exploration of ambition, guilt, and the devastating consequences of disrupting the natural order. Through its intricate portrayal of characters, events, and imagery, the play masterfully utilizes the concept of the Great Chain of Being to convey the profound consequences of defying both human and divine authority. The play’s enduring appeal stems from its timeless exploration of fundamental human struggles: the conflict between ambition and morality, the pursuit of power, and the ultimate fragility of order in the face of human transgression. By understanding the Great Chain of Being, we gain a richer and deeper understanding of the play's tragic power and enduring relevance. The play serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that the pursuit of power without moral restraint can lead to chaos and destruction, not just for the individual but for the entire social and cosmic order.