Final answer:
In Shakespeare's era, the military hierarchy was closely tied to the aristocracy, with ranks determined by family lineage and affiliation with the royal household. High-ranking military officials were often from noble backgrounds and had close ties to the royal family, ensuring loyalty to the system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The military hierarchy in Shakespeare's time was influenced by the aristocracy, which followed a highly structured ranking system. This hierarchical structure was not just limited to the aristocracy itself; it also defined the standing of military officials. For instance, the royal family held the highest positions, followed by high court nobles consisting of junior branches of the royal family and holders of clan titles. Within these, there were further subdivisions, where ranks 4 and 5 would receive individual appointments directly from the emperor. The upper ranks held the highest military posts and were thought to comprise finer qi (vital energy), distinguishing them from common soldiers.
With reference to Shakespeare's works, such as Hamlet and Macbeth, it can be deduced that the military officials often hailed from noble or aristocratic families, reinforcing their social status. A similar, structured hierarchy governed official posts, where family lineage played a significant role in determining rank and hence one's position in the military. Soldiers would be less likely to challenge a system that they were part of and provided them with stability and rank.
The integration of military officers within the aristocracy ensured control and loyalty towards the ruling class, as they shared common interests in maintaining the hierarchy. This structure was vital to the organization and coherence of the ruling class, and it was enforced through rules, rituals, and regulations that dictated the conduct and privileges of different ranks.