Leviathan
Introduction + Context
Plot Summary
Detailed Summary & Analysis
The Epistle Dedicatory
The Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Conclusion
Themes
All Themes
Nature, War, and Civil Society
Power, Common-wealths, and Monarchies
Religion
Fear
Reason, Fact, and Philosophy
Quotes
Characters
All Characters
Thomas Hobbes
Aristotle
God
Moses
Cardinal Bellarmine
Christ
Cicero
Elizabeth I
Francis Godolphin
Sidney Godolphin
Judas Iscariot
Matthias
Paul
Peter
Samuel
Saul
Solomon
Terms
All Terms
Author
Common-wealth
Consecration
Covenant
Craft
Discourse
Dreams
Experience
Fancy
Gentile
Idolatry
Imagination
The Laws of Nature
Martyr
Memory
Miracle
Passions
Prophet
Prudence
Punishment
Science
Sign
Sovereign
Subject
Transubstantiation
War
Symbols
All Symbols
Leviathan
Literary Devices
All Literary Devices
Allegory
Allusions
Genre
Logos
Metaphors
Motifs
Paradox
Pathos
Satire
Similes
Style
Quizzes
All Quizzes
The Epistle Dedicatory: To My Most Honor’d Friend Mr. Francis Godolphin of Godolphin Quiz
The Introduction Quiz
Chapter 1: Of Sense Quiz
Chapter 2: Of Imagination Quiz
Chapter 3: Of the Consequence or Trayne of Imaginations Quiz
Chapter 4: Of Speech Quiz
Chapter 5: Of Reason, and Science Quiz
Chapter 6: Of the Interiour Beginnings of Voluntary Motions; commonly called the PASSIONS. And the Speeches by which they are expressed. Quiz
Chapter 7: Of the Ends, or Resolutions of Discourse Quiz
Chapter 8: Of the VERTUES commonly called INTELLECTUAL: and their contrary DEFECTS Quiz
Chapter 9: Of the Severall Subjects of Knowledge Quiz
Chapter 10: Of Power, Worth, Dignity, Honour, and Worthinesse Quiz
Chapter 11: Of the difference of Manners Quiz
Chapter 12: Of Religion Quiz
Chapter 13: Of the Naturall Condition of Mankind, as concerning their Felicity, and Misery Quiz
Chapter 14: Of the first and second NATURALL LAWES, and of CONTRACTS Quiz
Chapter 15: Of other Lawes of Nature Quiz
Chapter 16: Of PERSONS, AUTHORS, and things Personated Quiz
Chapter 17: Of the Causes, Generation, and Definition of a COMMON-WEALTH Quiz
Chapter 18: Of the RIGHTS of Soveraignes by Institution Quiz
Chapter 19: Of the severall Kinds of Common-wealth by Institution, and of Succession to the Soveraigne Power Quiz
Chapter 20: Of Dominion PATERNALL, and DESPOTICALL Quiz
Chapter 21: Of the Liberty of Subjects Quiz
Chapter 22: Of Systemes Subject, Politicall, and Private Quiz
Chapter 23: Of the PUBLIQUE MINISTERS of Soveraign Power Quiz
Chapter 24: Of the NUTRITION, and PROCREATION of a Common-wealth Quiz
Chapter 25: Of COUNSELL Quiz
Chapter 26: Of CIVILL LAWES Quiz
Chapter 27: Of CRIMES, EXCUSES, and EXTENUATIONS Quiz
Chapter 28: Of PUNISHMENTS, and REWARDS Quiz
Chapter 29: Of those things that Weaken, or tend to the DISSOLUTION of a Common-wealth Quiz
Chapter 30: Of the OFFICE of the Soveraign Representative Quiz
Chapter 31: OF the KINGDOME OF GOD by NATURE Quiz
Chapter 32: Of the Principles of CHRISTIAN POLITTIQUES Quiz
Chapter 33: of the Number, Antiquity, Scope, Authority, and Interpreters of the Books of Holy SCRIPTURE Quiz
Chapter 34: Of the Signification of SPIRIT, ANGEL, and INSPIRATION in the Books of Holy Scripture Quiz
Chapter 35: Of the Signification in Scripture of KINGDOME OF GOD, of HOLY, SACRED, and SACRAMENT Quiz
Chapter 36: Of the WORD of GOD, and of PROPHETS Quiz
Chapter 37: Of MIRACLES, and their Use Quiz
Chapter 38: Of the Signification in Scripture of ETERNALL LIFE, HELL, SALVATION, THE WORLD TO COME, and REDEMPTION Quiz
Chapter 39: Of the signification in Scripture of the word CHURCH Quiz
Chapter 40: Of the RIGHTS of the Kingdome of God, in Abraham, Moses, the High Priests, and the Kings of Judah Quiz
Chapter 41: Of the OFFICE of our BLESSED SAVIOUR Quiz
Chapter 42: Of POWER ECCLESIASTICALL Quiz
Chapter 43: Of what is NECESSARY for a Mans Reception into the Kingdome of Heaven Quiz
Chapter 44: Of Spirituall Darkness from MISINTERPRETATION of Scripture Quiz
Chapter 45: Of DÆMONOLOGY, and other Reliques of the Religion of the Gentiles Quiz
Chapter 46: Of DARKNESS from VAIN PHILOSOPHY, and FABULOUS TRADITIONS Quiz
Chapter 47: Of the BENEFIT that proceedeth from such Darknesse, and to whom it accreweth Quiz
A REVIEW, and CONCLUSION Quiz
Download PDF
Download Teacher Edition
AI Tools
New
Tools to make learning and teaching easier
Got It
AI Tools
Ask LitCharts AI
Discussion Question Generator
Essay Prompt Generator
Quiz Question Generator
Guides
Literature Guides
Poetry Guides
Shakespeare Translations
Literary Terms
AI Tools
New
Tools to make learning and teaching easier
Got It
AI Tools
Ask LitCharts AI
Discussion Question Generator
Essay Prompt Generator
Quiz Question Generator
Guides
Literature Guides
Poetry Guides
Shakespeare Translations
Literary Terms
Sign In
Sign up for A
+
Sign up
Leviathan
by
Thomas Hobbes
PDF
Upgrade to A
+
Introduction
Intro
Plot Summary
Plot
Summary & Analysis
The Epistle Dedicatory
The Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Conclusion
Themes
All Themes
Nature, War, and Civil Society
Power, Common-wealths, and Monarchies
Religion
Fear
Reason, Fact, and Philosophy
Quotes
Characters
All Characters
Thomas Hobbes
Aristotle
God
Moses
Cardinal Bellarmine
Christ
Cicero
Elizabeth I
Francis Godolphin
Sidney Godolphin
Judas Iscariot
Matthias
Paul
Peter
Samuel
Saul
Solomon
Terms
All Terms
Author
Common-wealth
Consecration
Covenant
Craft
Discourse
Dreams
Experience
Fancy
Gentile
Idolatry
Imagination
The Laws of Nature
Martyr
Memory
Miracle
Passions
Prophet
Prudence
Punishment
Science
Sign
Sovereign
Subject
Transubstantiation
War
Symbols
All Symbols
Leviathan
Lit Devices
All Literary Devices
Allegory
Allusions
Genre
Logos
Metaphors
Motifs
Paradox
Pathos
Satire
Similes
Style
Quizzes
All Quizzes
The Epistle Dedicatory: To My Most Honor’d Friend Mr. Francis Godolphin of Godolphin Quiz
The Introduction Quiz
Chapter 1: Of Sense Quiz
Chapter 2: Of Imagination Quiz
Chapter 3: Of the Consequence or Trayne of Imaginations Quiz
Chapter 4: Of Speech Quiz
Chapter 5: Of Reason, and Science Quiz
Chapter 6: Of the Interiour Beginnings of Voluntary Motions; commonly called the PASSIONS. And the Speeches by which they are expressed. Quiz
Chapter 7: Of the Ends, or Resolutions of Discourse Quiz
Chapter 8: Of the VERTUES commonly called INTELLECTUAL: and their contrary DEFECTS Quiz
Chapter 9: Of the Severall Subjects of Knowledge Quiz
Chapter 10: Of Power, Worth, Dignity, Honour, and Worthinesse Quiz
Chapter 11: Of the difference of Manners Quiz
Chapter 12: Of Religion Quiz
Chapter 13: Of the Naturall Condition of Mankind, as concerning their Felicity, and Misery Quiz
Chapter 14: Of the first and second NATURALL LAWES, and of CONTRACTS Quiz
Chapter 15: Of other Lawes of Nature Quiz
Chapter 16: Of PERSONS, AUTHORS, and things Personated Quiz
Chapter 17: Of the Causes, Generation, and Definition of a COMMON-WEALTH Quiz
Chapter 18: Of the RIGHTS of Soveraignes by Institution Quiz
Chapter 19: Of the severall Kinds of Common-wealth by Institution, and of Succession to the Soveraigne Power Quiz
Chapter 20: Of Dominion PATERNALL, and DESPOTICALL Quiz
Chapter 21: Of the Liberty of Subjects Quiz
Chapter 22: Of Systemes Subject, Politicall, and Private Quiz
Chapter 23: Of the PUBLIQUE MINISTERS of Soveraign Power Quiz
Chapter 24: Of the NUTRITION, and PROCREATION of a Common-wealth Quiz
Chapter 25: Of COUNSELL Quiz
Chapter 26: Of CIVILL LAWES Quiz
Chapter 27: Of CRIMES, EXCUSES, and EXTENUATIONS Quiz
Chapter 28: Of PUNISHMENTS, and REWARDS Quiz
Chapter 29: Of those things that Weaken, or tend to the DISSOLUTION of a Common-wealth Quiz
Chapter 30: Of the OFFICE of the Soveraign Representative Quiz
Chapter 31: OF the KINGDOME OF GOD by NATURE Quiz
Chapter 32: Of the Principles of CHRISTIAN POLITTIQUES Quiz
Chapter 33: of the Number, Antiquity, Scope, Authority, and Interpreters of the Books of Holy SCRIPTURE Quiz
Chapter 34: Of the Signification of SPIRIT, ANGEL, and INSPIRATION in the Books of Holy Scripture Quiz
Chapter 35: Of the Signification in Scripture of KINGDOME OF GOD, of HOLY, SACRED, and SACRAMENT Quiz
Chapter 36: Of the WORD of GOD, and of PROPHETS Quiz
Chapter 37: Of MIRACLES, and their Use Quiz
Chapter 38: Of the Signification in Scripture of ETERNALL LIFE, HELL, SALVATION, THE WORLD TO COME, and REDEMPTION Quiz
Chapter 39: Of the signification in Scripture of the word CHURCH Quiz
Chapter 40: Of the RIGHTS of the Kingdome of God, in Abraham, Moses, the High Priests, and the Kings of Judah Quiz
Chapter 41: Of the OFFICE of our BLESSED SAVIOUR Quiz
Chapter 42: Of POWER ECCLESIASTICALL Quiz
Chapter 43: Of what is NECESSARY for a Mans Reception into the Kingdome of Heaven Quiz
Chapter 44: Of Spirituall Darkness from MISINTERPRETATION of Scripture Quiz
Chapter 45: Of DÆMONOLOGY, and other Reliques of the Religion of the Gentiles Quiz
Chapter 46: Of DARKNESS from VAIN PHILOSOPHY, and FABULOUS TRADITIONS Quiz
Chapter 47: Of the BENEFIT that proceedeth from such Darknesse, and to whom it accreweth Quiz
A REVIEW, and CONCLUSION Quiz
Theme Wheel
Theme Viz
Download this Chart (PDF)
Download the Teacher Edition
Get instant help with LitCharts AI
New
Back to Guide
Previous
Chapter 25: Of COUNSELL Quiz
Leviathan: Chapter 26 Quiz
7 questions
Next
Chapter 27: Of CRIMES, EXCUSES, and EXTENUATIONS Quiz
Get 3 quizzes by
signing up
for a free account
Test your knowledge of Chapter 26. Submit your answers to see your results and get feedback.
What is Hobbes's primary concern regarding laws?
1 of 7
The complexity and nuances of law that vary from one common-wealth to another
The universal rights and laws that are consistent with the Laws of Nature and applicable to all common-wealths
The individual laws that are unique to certain common-wealths
The professional study of law and its practitioners
Who is responsible for making laws in a common-wealth, according to Hobbes?
2 of 7
The highest court of the common-wealth
The subjects of the common-wealth through direct democracy
The sovereign power, whether it be a single monarch or a democratic assembly
The legislator, a specifically designated person separate from the sovereign power
Why are the Laws of Nature exempt from the requirement of being written and made known?
3 of 7
Because they are considered common knowledge and can be discovered through reason
Because they are too complex to be accurately written down
Because they do not apply to the conduct within a common-wealth
Because they only apply to sovereign powers and not to the subjects of a common-wealth
What is required beyond a law being written and known according to Hobbes?
4 of 7
It must be broadly accepted by the subjects of the common-wealth
It must be supported by the majority of the common-wealth's assembly
It must be "verified" as coming directly from the sovereign power
It must be applicable to all subjects equally, without exception
Why must a sovereign ensure there are no alternative interpretations of a law?
5 of 7
To prevent the loss of sovereign power due to unintended interpretations
To ensure that the law remains consistent with ancient traditions
To promote a diversity of opinions within the judiciary
To encourage debate and discussion within the common-wealth's legal system
What qualities make a "good" judge according to Hobbes?
6 of 7
Extensive wealth and influence within the common-wealth
Knowledge of the laws of nature, understanding of equity, and freedom from passions
The ability to influence public opinion and shape the law according to personal beliefs
A strong connection to the sovereign power and adherence to its directives without question
How does the creation of a common-wealth affect the Laws of Nature?
7 of 7
It abolishes the Laws of Nature, replacing them entirely with positive laws
It only acknowledges the Laws of Nature that align with the sovereign power's interests
It disregards the Laws of Nature in favor of creating new laws based on current societal norms
It transforms the Laws of Nature into civil law, to which positive laws imposed by the sovereign are added
Submit
Cite This Page
Choose citation style:
MLA
Rosewall, Kim. "Leviathan."
LitCharts.
LitCharts LLC, 21 Apr 2020. Web. 14 Jan 2025.
Rosewall, Kim. "Leviathan." LitCharts. LitCharts LLC, 21 Apr 2020. Web. 14 Jan 2025.
Copy to Clipboard
Get 3 quizzes a month with a free LitCharts account
You'll also get updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes.
Continue with Google
Continue with Google
or
Email
Password (at least 8 characters)
By checking here you agree to our
Terms of Service
and have read our
Privacy Policy
.
Complete your free account to take a quiz
Username
I am a:
Select one
Birthday
Please enter as MM/DD/YYYY
Get email updates when we add new guides and features. Unsubscribe at any time.
Previous
Chapter 25: Of COUNSELL Quiz
Previous
Chapter 25: Of COUNSELL Quiz
Next
Chapter 27: Of CRIMES, EXCUSES, and EXTENUATIONS Quiz
Next
Chapter 27: Of CRIMES, EXCUSES, and EXTENUATIONS Quiz
Cite This Page
Company
About Us
Our Story
Jobs
Support
Help Center
Contact Us
Connect
Facebook
Twitter
Legal
Terms of Service
Privacy Policy
Privacy Request
Home
About
Contact
Help
Copyright © 2025 All Rights Reserved
Terms
Privacy
Privacy Request
Save time. Stress less.
Sign up!
AI Tools
for on-demand study help and teaching prep.
Quote explanations,
with page numbers, for over 45,765 quotes.
PDF downloads
of all 2,062 LitCharts guides.
Expert analysis
to take your reading to the next level.
Advanced search
to help you find exactly what you're looking for.
Quizzes, saving guides, requests,
plus so much more.
Expert analysis
to take your reading to the next level.
Advanced search
to help you find exactly what you're looking for.
Quizzes, saving guides, requests,
plus so much more.
Requesting a new guide requires a free LitCharts account
You'll also get updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes.
Continue with Google
Continue with Google
or
Email
Password (at least 8 characters)
By checking here you agree to our
Terms of Service
and have read our
Privacy Policy
.
Complete your free account to request a guide
Username
I am a:
Select one
Birthday
Please enter as MM/DD/YYYY
Get email updates when we add new guides and features. Unsubscribe at any time.
Creating notes and highlights requires a free LitCharts account.
You'll be able to access your notes and highlights, make requests, and get updates on new titles.
Continue with Google
Continue with Google
or
Email
Password (at least 8 characters)
By checking here you agree to our
Terms of Service
and have read our
Privacy Policy
.
Complete your free account to access notes and highlights
Username
I am a:
Select one
Birthday
Please enter as MM/DD/YYYY
Get email updates when we add new guides and features. Unsubscribe at any time.
Saving guides requires a free LitCharts account
Easily access your saved guides anytime.
Continue with Google
Continue with Google
or
Email
Password (at least 8 characters)
By checking here you agree to our
Terms of Service
and have read our
Privacy Policy
.
Complete your free account to save guides
Username
I am a:
Select one
Birthday
Please enter as MM/DD/YYYY
Get email updates when we add new guides and features. Unsubscribe at any time.