The Chain Of Being Macbeth

The Chain of Being in Macbeth: A Disrupted Cosmos and the Fall of Man

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 Chain of Being, a hierarchical structure reflecting the divinely ordained order of the universe prevalent during the Elizabethan era. This article delves into the intricate ways Shakespeare utilizes this concept, demonstrating how Macbeth's actions disrupt the cosmic balance, leading to chaos, suffering, and ultimately, his downfall. We will explore the different levels of the Chain, how they are represented in the play, and the devastating consequences of their transgression.

Understanding the Elizabethan Chain of Being

The Chain of Being was a complex philosophical and cosmological model deeply embedded in the worldview of Shakespeare's time. It envisioned a hierarchical structure extending from God at the apex, down through angels, celestial bodies, humans, animals, plants, and finally, inanimate matter. Each level was believed to have its designated place and function, maintaining a harmonious equilibrium. Disrupting this order was seen as a grave offense against God and nature, inevitably leading to chaos and suffering. This concept wasn't merely a theological construct; it profoundly influenced social structures, political systems, and artistic representations.

Within the Chain, each being had its own degree or rank. Humans occupied a unique position, bridging the gap between the material and spiritual realms. They were expected to live virtuously, fulfilling their divinely ordained roles within society, upholding order and maintaining the balance. This responsibility was underscored by the belief in the Great Chain of Being, a cosmic order reflecting God's divine plan.

Macbeth's Disruption of the Chain: Ambition and the Supernatural

Macbeth's tragic journey begins with the disruption of this cosmic harmony. The play immediately introduces the supernatural, highlighting the vulnerability of the Chain when confronted with forces beyond human comprehension. The witches' prophecies, though ambiguous, ignite Macbeth's ambition, a potent force that drives him to challenge his ordained place within the Chain.

His ambition is not merely a personal desire for power; it's a transgression against the natural order. He aspires to a position not rightfully his, undermining the established hierarchy of kingship and succession. By murdering King Duncan, Macbeth doesn't simply commit regicide; he shatters the very foundation of the Great Chain. Duncan's death is not just a political act; it's a cosmic crime, a violation of the divinely sanctioned order that ensures stability and harmony.

The witches, representing the chaotic realm beyond the Chain, further contribute to this disruption. They present Macbeth with a distorted vision of his potential, fueling his ambition and blinding him to the moral consequences of his actions. Their supernatural interference disrupts the natural progression of events, manipulating the course of human destiny and undermining the established order. They become catalysts for the unraveling of the Chain.

The Breakdown of Order: Consequences of Macbeth's Actions

The murder of Duncan sets off a cascade of violence and chaos. The play vividly portrays the consequences of Macbeth's transgression against the natural order. The once-harmonious kingdom is plunged into a state of turmoil and bloodshed. Loyalty erodes, trust vanishes, and fear reigns supreme.

• The natural world reflects the moral decay: Shakespeare masterfully uses imagery to depict the disruption of the natural world, mirroring the moral decay within the kingdom. Strange occurrences, unnatural weather patterns, and the disruption of the natural sleep cycle all signify the breakdown of the cosmic order. This echoes the ancient belief that the natural world was intimately connected to the moral state of humanity.

• The erosion of family bonds: The destruction extends to family relationships. Macbeth's ambition not only causes him to murder Duncan but also leads to the brutal deaths of Banquo and Lady Macduff and her children. The sanctity of family, a cornerstone of social order, is brutally violated, further emphasizing the profound consequences of his actions. The breakdown of the family unit mirrors the breakdown of the state and reflects a broader cosmic disorder.

• The rise of tyranny and fear: Macbeth’s reign is characterized by tyranny and fear. He rules through intimidation and violence, creating a society where paranoia and suspicion are rampant. This reflects a complete inversion of the natural order, where just and benevolent rule is replaced by oppressive and chaotic power.

• The loss of innocence and reason: The play shows the progressive loss of innocence and reason as a consequence of disrupting the Chain. Macbeth's descent into madness reflects the consequences of separating from the divine order and embracing selfish ambition. Lady Macbeth, initially instrumental in Macbeth's ambition, suffers a similar fate, her conscience unable to cope with the enormity of their crimes.

Lady Macbeth's Role: Ambition and the Gendered Chain

Lady Macbeth's character is crucial in understanding the disruption of the Chain. She represents a subversion of gender roles within the Elizabethan social structure. Her ambition is as relentless as Macbeth's, but she attempts to transcend her prescribed role as a woman, actively participating in the plot to usurp the throne. Her ambition, however, is also a violation of the natural order, challenging the established gender hierarchy.

Her invocation of dark spirits to unsex her and fill her with "direst cruelty" highlights the unnatural nature of her ambition. She attempts to bypass the limitations placed upon women by the Chain, but her transgressions ultimately lead to her own destruction. Her descent into madness and eventual suicide serve as a powerful testament to the catastrophic consequences of defying the established order.

Restoring the Chain: Malcolm's Ascension and the Return to Order

The final act of the play shows the restoration of the Chain of Being. Malcolm's ascension to the throne symbolizes a return to order and justice. Malcolm's character contrasts sharply with Macbeth's, representing virtue, reason, and a commitment to restoring the natural order. His reign promises a future where justice prevails, and the chaotic consequences of Macbeth's reign are overcome. The play's ending, though tragic, offers a sense of hope for the restoration of cosmic harmony and the re-establishment of the Great Chain.

The Scientific Revolution and the Chain of Being

It's important to note that during Shakespeare's time, the Chain of Being was being challenged by the burgeoning Scientific Revolution. New discoveries in astronomy and physics began to question the geocentric model of the universe and the fixed hierarchy it implied. Shakespeare's portrayal of the Chain's disruption in Macbeth can be seen as reflecting these anxieties about a changing world and the potential consequences of challenging established order, even if that order is divinely sanctioned.

Conclusion: A Timeless Exploration of Order and Chaos

Shakespeare's Macbeth transcends its historical context to offer a timeless exploration of ambition, morality, and the consequences of defying natural order. By utilizing the concept of the Chain of Being, Shakespeare crafts a powerful narrative that vividly illustrates the catastrophic consequences of disrupting the cosmic equilibrium. The play's enduring power lies in its exploration of fundamental human desires, the complexities of morality, and the devastating consequences of unchecked ambition. Macbeth’s tragic downfall serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the importance of maintaining order, respecting boundaries, and adhering to the principles of justice and virtue. The play remains a potent reminder of the precarious balance between order and chaos, and the devastating consequences of disrupting the established cosmic order. The enduring appeal of Macbeth lies in its ability to explore these timeless themes with compelling power and dramatic intensity. The play continues to resonate with audiences because it tackles fundamental questions about human nature, the nature of power, and the fragility of the world around us.