NCHS AP English Language

chain of being kate pennebaker

Macro-microcosm/Great Chain of Being- Universal truths that apply to the world on a large scale and can be represented in a smaller, more controlled setting. A macrocosm is the universe considered as a whole, while a microcosm is the same representation of the universe on a smaller scale.

Ahab- Captain (God)

Starbuck- First Mate (King)

Stubb- Second Mate (Nobles)

Flask- Third Mate (Lesser Nobles)

Queequeg, Tashtego, Daggoo, Fedallah, Harpooners, something to offer, merchants- (Middle Class)

Ishmael, Pip- New Guys (Slaves)

The Chain of Being is an idea that was developed during the Renaissance period and is used to explain the natural, hierarchal order of beings in the universe. The chain is not complete unless both the highest and lowest forms are present. The universe would not be “complete” unless the chain extended from the highest to the lowest forms of being without any gaps. The chain states that without the imperfections (which are represented by the lowest class on the chain), the universe would not be complete.
In Moby Dick, Captain Ahab is at the top of the hierarchy, in terms of the Pequod as the universe. His mission and goal is to kill moby dick which becomes the rest of the crews mission as well. Without his crew, he would not be able to complete his mission. This is an example of how the chain of being is incomplete without all parts.

posted by NCHS AP English Language III @ 9:38 AM