The Great Chain of Being represented Medieval thought as to where man fit in the universe. It was believed that people were born in their place and meant to stay there by God's will. Moving up or down on the chain was considered to be an affront to God's plan. Noblemen were supposed to accept their duty to God and country and act in a noble manner, just as peasants were not to seek to escape from their situation and reach above themselves in pursuit of a better life. In literature we see numerous examples of what happens when man seeks to subvert the chain. For example, Hamlet does not behave as a Prince and take the throne from his uncle. His lack of decision and his death make it necessary for Fortinbras to come in and take over the helm. Also, Lady Macbeth takes control over her husband and has him follow her orders; this is a perversion of the "man rules" dictum. In each case all is in disorder until the offending people are dead or corrected and proper order is once again restored.