If you consider the world picture to be a system of viewing the world (and the universe), there is, in fact, a common Elizabethan world picture. It is a general model of the world, and serves the Elizabethans as a frame of order and a system of communication. As a frame of order it can be invested with details of his/her own personal knowledge by every individual. This universal order being all-embracing is generally accepted. All material and spiritual entities are embedded in it, and therefore all fields of human thought root in it.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- The Elizabethan World Picture
- The Sublunar World
- The Macrocosm
- Hierarchy and Analogy
- Man's Position in the Universe
- Society and the Body Politic
- Order and Disorder
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This text aims to describe the Elizabethan world picture, a comprehensive system of understanding the universe and society prevalent during the Elizabethan era. It explores the structure, beliefs, and implications of this worldview for various aspects of life, including politics and drama.
- The hierarchical structure of the Elizabethan worldview, encompassing both the cosmos and human society.
- The concept of analogy and correspondence as key organizing principles in Elizabethan thought.
- The role of religion and theology in shaping the Elizabethan understanding of the universe and humanity's place within it.
- The relationship between cosmic order and political stability in Elizabethan England.
- The representation of order and disorder in Elizabethan drama.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The Elizabethan World Picture: This introductory section establishes the concept of the Elizabethan world picture as a comprehensive system of understanding the universe and society, emphasizing its universality, theological foundation, and hierarchical structure. It introduces the key components: the sublunar world (subject to change and decay) and the macrocosm (eternal and unchanging), and highlights the importance of language and metaphor in transmitting this worldview. The chapter lays the groundwork for understanding the subsequent discussions of specific elements within this framework.
The Sublunar World: This section details the hierarchical structure of the sublunar world, divided into four levels: minerals, plants, animals, and humans. Each level possesses specific characteristics (existence, life, feeling, reason, soul), and a hierarchy exists within each level, emphasizing the concept of order and duty. The chapter stresses that the proper functioning of each element within its designated rank contributes to the overall harmony of the sublunar world. This orderly arrangement is presented as essential for maintaining balance and preventing chaos.
The Macrocosm: This chapter describes the hierarchical structure of the macrocosm, consisting of concentric circles, starting from the earth and extending to the Coelum Empyraeum, the seat of God. The movement of celestial bodies creates the "music of the spheres." While acknowledging a waning interest in the higher heavens among Elizabethans compared to earlier periods, the chapter highlights the macrocosm's significance as the unchanging, divine counterpart to the mutable sublunar world. This juxtaposition emphasizes the contrast between earthly impermanence and heavenly eternity.
Hierarchy and Analogy: This section explores the interconnectedness of the sublunar and macrocosmic realms through the complementary principles of hierarchy and analogy. The world is presented as both a hierarchical system and a system of correspondences, using metaphors like the chain of being and the mirror to illustrate how different levels reflect and interact with each other. The concept of mirroring illustrates the connections between entities of different ranks, highlighting the subtle symmetries and analogies sought out in the divine order. The chapter further develops the idea of interconnectedness within the Elizabethan worldview.
Man's Position in the Universe: This chapter focuses on humanity's central position in the universe, created in God's image and serving as a microcosm reflecting the macrocosm. Man’s possession of reason distinguishes him from other creatures. This section elaborates on the concept of correspondences and the popularity of finding parallels between different elements within the universe, using examples to illustrate how this idea permeates Elizabethan thought and expression. Shakespeare's skill in exploring these analogies is mentioned.
Society and the Body Politic: This section examines the hierarchical structure of Elizabethan society, with the King at the apex as God's deputy. The concept of the "body politic" is introduced, emphasizing the parallel between the human body and the state, as well as the resemblance between the structure of the state and the cosmos. The role of the monarchy and the Church in maintaining order is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of obedience and the potential consequences of rebellion. The subtle secularization of the world view is also discussed.
Order and Disorder: The final substantive chapter explores the Elizabethan belief in a cosmic order disrupted by the Fall of Man. The chapter contrasts the ideal state of perfect correspondence with the reality of human fallibility, outlining the moral obligation to maintain one's place within the established hierarchy. The chapter concludes by considering the Elizabethan focus on relationships and analogies over individual things and explaining how this worldview is reflected in Elizabethan drama, which frequently depicts the disruption and eventual restoration of order.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Elizabethan world picture, hierarchy, analogy, correspondence, macrocosm, microcosm, sublunar world, theology, monarchy, order, disorder, Elizabethan drama, chain of being, body politic.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Guide to the Elizabethan World Picture
What is the Elizabethan World Picture?
The Elizabethan World Picture was a comprehensive worldview prevalent during the Elizabethan era in England. It encompassed a system of understanding the universe and society, characterized by a hierarchical structure, the concept of analogy and correspondence, and a strong theological foundation. This system viewed the cosmos and human society as interconnected and mirroring each other.
What are the key components of the Elizabethan World Picture?
Key components include the sublunar world (the earthly realm subject to change and decay) and the macrocosm (the celestial realm, eternal and unchanging). The structure is hierarchical, extending from God at the apex to the mineral world at the base. The concept of analogy and correspondence highlights the interconnectedness and mirroring between different levels of this hierarchy.
How is hierarchy structured in the Elizabethan World Picture?
Hierarchy is a fundamental organizing principle. In the sublunar world, it extends from minerals, plants, and animals to humans. Each level possesses specific characteristics (existence, life, feeling, reason, soul). Similarly, the macrocosm is structured hierarchically, with concentric circles extending from Earth to the Coelum Empyraeum (God's seat). This hierarchical structure extends to society, with the monarch at its apex as God's deputy.
What is the significance of analogy and correspondence in this worldview?
Analogy and correspondence are key principles, illustrating the interconnectedness between different levels of the hierarchy. The "chain of being" and the concept of mirroring are used to describe the relationships and reflections between entities of different ranks. This system of correspondences permeates Elizabethan thought and expression, as seen in literature and societal structures.
What is the role of religion and theology in the Elizabethan World Picture?
Religion and theology played a crucial role in shaping this worldview. The system was deeply rooted in Christian theology, with God at the pinnacle of the hierarchy. The concept of the Great Chain of Being, reflecting the divine order, was central. The relationship between cosmic order and political stability was also heavily influenced by religious beliefs.
What is the significance of the "body politic" concept?
The "body politic" is a concept illustrating the parallel between the human body and the state. It emphasizes the hierarchical structure of society, with the King as the head, mirroring the human body and the cosmos. This analogy underscores the importance of maintaining order and obedience within society for overall stability and well-being.
How is order and disorder represented in the Elizabethan World Picture?
The Elizabethan World Picture emphasizes the ideal of cosmic order, but acknowledges its disruption by the Fall of Man. The worldview stresses the moral obligation to maintain one's place within the established hierarchy. Disorder is seen as a disruption of this divinely ordained order, often depicted in Elizabethan drama as a conflict that ultimately leads to the restoration of order.
How is the Elizabethan World Picture reflected in Elizabethan drama?
Elizabethan drama frequently reflects this worldview by depicting the themes of order and disorder. Plays often show the disruption of the established hierarchy and the ensuing conflict, ultimately culminating in the restoration of order, reinforcing the importance of maintaining the cosmic and societal harmony.
What is Man's position in the Elizabethan World Picture?
Humans occupy a central position as the microcosm reflecting the macrocosm. Created in God's image, humans possess reason, distinguishing them from other creatures. Their place within the hierarchy carries responsibilities and obligations to maintain the established order.
What are the key terms associated with the Elizabethan World Picture?
Key terms include Elizabethan World Picture, hierarchy, analogy, correspondence, macrocosm, microcosm, sublunar world, theology, monarchy, order, disorder, Elizabethan drama, chain of being, and body politic.
- Quote paper
- Kathrin Ehlen (Author), 2005, The Elizabethan World Picture, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/173799
