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"The Great Chain of Being in Elizabethan Literature"
- The concept was systemized by the neoplatonist philosopher, Blaise de Vigenère.
- Elizabethans believed in a God-determined social order known as the Great Chain of Being.
- The hierarchy is based on the belief that God chooses the king and queen, and their authority is accepted regardless of their behavior.
- The hierarchy keeps people in their designated place, with God at the top, followed by angels, kings and queens, humans, animals, plants, non-living things, and Hell at the bottom.
- Christianism emphasizes Free Will given by God, allowing individuals to choose their path.
- Hinduism relates to karma, distinguishing between good and bad karmas, and human's mortal nature.
- Shakespeare's work reflects the influence of the great chain of being on the characters' actions and their consequences.
- The character of Lady Macbeth's ambition and subsequent downfall exemplifies the consequences of disrupting the natural order.
- Lady Macbeth's sleepless nights and inability to sleep lead to her committing suicide, which is considered unforgivable in Christianity.
- The other characters also suffer, illustrating the consequences of ambitious actions. Shakespeare's work reflects the influence of the era and the social hierarchy in Macbeth.
- God created everything, including evil, leading to debates among religious individuals
- Enlightenment thinkers rebelled against the power structure, advocating for democracy
- Religious leaders feared losing control over people's beliefs
- Critics suggested that remnants of the great chain of being still influence environmental exploitation
- Breaking the Great Chain of Being can cause conflict with religious beliefs and opposition from religious people.
- Changing and breaking the rigidity of religion may not be a bad thing, but may result in conflict and accusations of atheism.
Unlocking the Mysteries of the Great Chain of Being
Introduction:
Welcome to a fascinating exploration of the Great Chain of Being in Elizabethan literature, a concept with far-reaching implications on society and culture.
Unraveling the Great Chain of Being
The Great Chain of Being, a cornerstone of Elizabethan thought, was systemized by Blaise de Vigenère. It delineates a God-determined social order, establishing a hierarchy that governs not just human society, but the entire cosmos. At its core is the belief that God's divine will assigns a specific place to every being, from heavenly entities to earthly creatures.
Implications of the Hierarchy
This hierarchy is deeply rooted in the conviction that the authority of kings and queens is ordained by God, transcending their behavior. It ensures societal stability by enforcing a rigid social order, with humans, animals, plants, and even inanimate objects assigned their respective positions in the cosmic hierarchy, culminating with Hell at the very bottom.
Free Will and Karma
Drawing comparisons, Christianism underscores the principle of Free Will, endowing individuals with the ability to make their own choices. On the other hand, Hinduism's doctrine of karma differentiates between good and bad deeds, governing the mortal nature of humans. These contrasting beliefs shed light on the interplay between divine will and human agency.
Influence on Shakespeare's Macbeth
Shakespeare's iconic work, Macbeth, bears the indelible mark of the Great Chain of Being. Through the characters' actions and their repercussions, the play vividly portrays the influence of this cosmic order. Notably, Lady Macbeth's unbridled ambition and eventual downfall serve as a compelling reflection of the severe consequences of disrupting the natural order.
Impact on Christian Theology and Enlightenment Thought
For over a millennium, the Great Chain of Being shaped Christian theology, igniting debates over the origins of evil. However, the Enlightenment era witnessed a rebellion against this entrenched power structure, with proponents fervently advocating for democratic ideals. This radical shift provoked apprehension among religious leaders, fearing an erosion of their authority over the masses.
Challenges and Controversies
Even as Darwin's theory posed a direct challenge to religious dogma, the remnants of the Great Chain of Being continued to influence societal attitudes. Critics maintained that its lingering effects fueled environmental exploitation, intensifying discord between religious convictions and the need for adaptive change.
A Struggle for Evolution
Embracing transformation and challenging the institutional rigidity embedded in religious doctrines may catalyze significant societal progress. However, it also engenders conflict and incites accusations of deviating from established religious norms, underscoring the enduring impact of the Great Chain of Being on contemporary discourse.
Conclusion:
The legacy of the Great Chain of Being endures in the annals of history, imprinting its influence on literature, philosophy, and societal structures. Its intricate interplay with human agency, religious convictions, and societal dynamics continues to provoke contemplation and debate in modern times.
