Ms. Beal “ The Chain of Being”

Macbeth “A tragedy of Moral Order ” How is Macbeth a tragedy of moral order?

Definition: -a philosophical class system believed by the Elizabethans that everyone was born into an ordered universe ordained by God. -a hierarchy with God at the top and every other creation beneath Him in correspondingly lower chains of existence.

Purpose -This Great Chain of Being was supposed to keep the Earth in a stable condition and order. - Anything that breaks this chain of order was said to disrupt the stability of the universe and would therefore be shown physically in nature.

The Great Chain of Being The Great Chain of Being God Angels supernatural beings- Witches Kings/Queens- Duncan Dukes/Duchesses/Thanes Bishops Earls/Countesses Knights/Local Officials Ladies-in-Waiting Priests/Monks Squires Messengers Merchants/Shopkeepers Tradesmen Yeomen Farmers Soldiers/Town Watch Household Servants Beggars Actors Thieves/Pirates Gypsies Animals Plants Rocks

What the Elizabethans Believed: This order was thought to be given by God. Once someone was born into this class they could not move up. They were stuck! The Elizabethans believed that God had placed them in their roles on earth.

- Macbeth murders King Duncan. Macbeth's hallucinations of ghosts, blood, and daggers unhealthy environmental balance- various animals typically associated with death that appear in the play: bats, wolves, crows, ravens, crickets, etc. Macbeth's reign caused misery and death. Abnormal gender roles- witches and Lady Macbeth Disruption of the Great Chain of Being the Great Chain of Being

Step 1. On butcher paper show the class systems within our High School. You may use ANYONE within our school. Be creative and make your poster visually appealing. Step 2. Imagine a person in your Chain of Being stepping out of that role and taking someone else ’ s. Think of how that would disrupt the “ moral order ” and create chaos. Remember- think like the Elizabethans would! Create a Chain of Being