Leviathan · Chapter
Part II: Of Commonwealth explained
This part of the work begins the systematic discussion of the formation, rights, and nature of a commonwealth, exploring the transition from the state of nature to civil society through the institution of a sovereign power.
What happens
This part of the work begins the systematic discussion of the formation, rights, and nature of a commonwealth, exploring the transition from the state of nature to civil society through the institution of a sovereign power.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because it reveals the sovereign's right to punish is not a gift from subj…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Sovereignty and Absolute Power
The chapter initiates the examination of how a commonwealth is instituted and the absolute rights of the sovereign.
- Liberty and Obligation
The transition from natural liberty to civil obligation under a sovereign is a central concern of this part.
