The great chain of being

Definition

The great chain of being is a hierarchical structure that was used in Renaissance literature and philosophy to explain the order of the universe. It depicts a divine hierarchy, starting from God at the top and extending down through angels, humans, animals, plants, and inanimate objects. This concept reflects the belief in a purposeful order to existence, influencing how individuals viewed their place within society and the natural world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The great chain of being was an essential framework during the Renaissance, influencing literature, art, and philosophy by promoting a structured view of life.
2. This concept emphasized that every being has a specific role and purpose within the cosmic order, which justified social hierarchies and class structures.
3. In literature, characters often reflected their rank in the great chain of being, where noble characters were associated with higher virtues compared to lower-ranked individuals.
4. The disruption of the great chain of being was a common theme in Renaissance works, often leading to chaos and disorder as seen in Shakespeare's plays.
5. This idea gradually declined with the rise of Enlightenment thinking, which promoted individualism and questioned traditional authority structures.

Review Questions

• How did the great chain of being influence character development in Renaissance literature?
  • In Renaissance literature, characters were often developed with their societal rank in mind, reflecting their position in the great chain of being. Noble characters typically exhibited higher moral qualities and virtues compared to lower-ranked characters. This alignment reinforced social hierarchies and allowed authors to explore themes of order and chaos as characters interacted across different levels of this hierarchy.
• Discuss how the concept of the great chain of being relates to themes of order and disorder in Shakespeare's works.
  • Shakespeare's works frequently illustrate the tension between order and disorder through the lens of the great chain of being. When social hierarchies are disrupted—such as through regicide or betrayal—chaos ensues, as seen in plays like 'Macbeth' or 'King Lear'. These disruptions serve as a commentary on the importance of maintaining proper order within society, reflecting both personal and cosmic implications.
• Evaluate the impact of Enlightenment thought on the decline of the great chain of being and its implications for Renaissance literature.
  • The rise of Enlightenment thought significantly challenged the established ideas surrounding the great chain of being. Philosophers began to emphasize reason, individual rights, and skepticism towards traditional authority. This shift not only led to a questioning of social hierarchies but also encouraged writers to explore new narratives that broke away from rigid structures. As a result, Renaissance literature began to reflect more diverse perspectives on human nature and society, paving the way for modern literary themes.

Related terms

Hierarchical Order: A system of organization where entities are ranked one above the other according to status or authority.

Natural Philosophy: The study of nature and the physical universe that was prominent before the development of modern science, often intertwined with metaphysical concepts.

Cosmology: The branch of philosophy or science that deals with the nature, origin, and structure of the universe, often exploring themes of order and chaos.