Definition and Explanation

  • Concept: “everything in the world has its own place”
  • No matter what you do, you cannot make your way up in the chain
  • You are all that you are born with, for the rest of your life, no matter what you do to try and change it
  • The English society depended on a certain “order”:
    • Hierarchical: The Great Chain of Being dictated everyone’s social station and standing
    • Obedience: The lower classes were to submit to the upper classes. The upper classes, in turn, were responsible for the welfare and upkeep of the lower classes.

Philosophical Perspective

  • In the Elizabethan times, everything in the universe was said to have a place in this hierarchy
  • Less spirit and more matter an object had, the lower down on the chain it was
  • Italian philosopher, Pico Della Mirandola, believed human beings were capable to rise to the angel level through philosopher contemplations
  • Aristotle: Thought the universe was completely perfect, so was the “Great Chain of Being”

Presented in the PlayThe-Great-Chain-of-Being

  • Lear is the King he is, a man of great power
  • Relinquishes the kingdom to his daughters, as a reward, to test their love for him
  • Lear surrounds himself with people who use him (i.e his daughters (except Cordelia) )
  • Edmund is considered low on the chain because of the circumstances that surround his birth
  • Father treats him poorly because of his illegitimacy
  • i.e.: King acknowledges his intent to abdicate his thrown
  • By surrendering the throne to fuel his ego he disrupts the Great Chain of Being because he is challenging the position that God has given him
  • Chaos occurs later in the play
  • Lear banishes those around him that genuinely care for him.

Profundity Scale

  • Mental -> King Lear divides his kingdom, Edgar holds onto the letter to keep & attain his Father’s attention
  • Psychological -> King Lear divides his kingdom to rid himself of burdens and responsibilities
  • Philosophical -> “Greed for power”
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Jennifer
Jennifer
9 years ago

What was the Chain of Being and what did it uphold?

jay
jay
Reply to  Jennifer
4 years ago

it upholds social status

ashley
ashley
3 years ago

this doesn’t answer any question for my webquest.

Anon
Anon
6 years ago

THE ANSWER TO THE WEBQUEST IS: It is a concept that says that everything in the world has its own place and no matter what you do, you cannot change your place by going up the chain.

Lauren
Lauren
4 years ago

I have a feeling that half of the people in the comments are in the same class

Monay
Monay
4 years ago

Why do we have to do this Webquest? It doesn’t really even tell us what it upholds!!!!

jeff
jeff
7 years ago

ARRRGGGGHHHH This webquest is so bad what even is the chain of being

skyler perry
skyler perry
9 years ago

What was the Chain of Being and what did it uphold????????

Bryan M.
Bryan M.
3 years ago

I swear that i couldn’t find the answer!!

Adriel
Adriel
6 years ago

OMG! I am working on a Webquest!

Billy Joel
Billy Joel
9 years ago

The “chain of being” is an illogical thought with a basic concept. There is nothing to understand with it

curly
curly
9 years ago

someone summerize this please im not that smart

Ryan Scottdale
Ryan Scottdale
10 years ago

This is hard 🙁

Justin
Justin
7 years ago

perfect

Camille J.
Camille J.
2 years ago

The Great Chain of Being dictated everyone’s social station and standing and it upholds order.

C. Brandi
C. Brandi
3 years ago

For anyone who wants to know what the chain of being uphold I believe the answer is social class.

Natasha
Natasha
4 years ago

What was the Chain of Being and what did it uphold?

Anonymous
Anonymous
9 years ago

this stuff makes NOOOO sense whats so ever

makayla
makayla
10 years ago

the webquwebquest is so boring

Rex
Rex
9 years ago

hi

justin moses
justin moses
9 years ago

hi this stuff is so boring