Take but degree away, untune that string, and hark, what discord follows!

Take but degree away, untune that string, and hark, what discord follows!

In William Shakespeare's play, Troilus and Cressida, the character Ulysses speaks the famous line, "Take but degree away, untune that string, and hark, what discord follows!" This powerful statement highlights the importance of maintaining order and hierarchy in society, as well as the consequences that can arise when these structures are disrupted.

The concept of "degree" in this context refers to the social hierarchy and the established order of things. Ulysses is warning that if even a small degree of this order is taken away, chaos and discord will inevitably follow. This idea is echoed throughout Shakespeare's works, as he often explores the themes of power, authority, and the consequences of disrupting the natural order of things.