A character's downfall is when they lose their power or status.

A character’s hamartia is their fatal flaw: a weakness or fault in their personality that leads to their downfall.

If you have an excess of something, you have more than is necessary.

To have hubris means to have excessive pride or self-confidence.

If you are unconventional, you do not follow accepted norms or standards.

Lady Macbeth's role in the downfall of Macbeth in 'Macbeth'

English

In 'Macbeth: Lady Macbeth as a Machiavellian Villain', pupils focus on the role that Lady Macbeth plays in the downfall of her husband. In 'Macbeth: A Tragic Hero', pupils become more critical of Macbeth's own decisions, evaluating whether he could be considered a tragic hero.

In 'Othello', pupils explore the role that Desdemona played in her husband's downfall. In 'Macbeth: Lady Macbeth as a Machiavellian Villain', pupils analyse the impact of Lady Macbeth's manipulation.

In this unit, pupils read and analyse 'Macbeth' by focusing on the role of Lady Macbeth in the tragedy. They start by reading the full play, before moving on to a close analysis of key characters and themes. They then zoom in on Lady Macbeth and develop an essay on her as a Machiaevellian villain.

Shakespeare: first reading

Depiction or discussion of distress or humiliation e.g. bullying.

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

Depiction or discussion of serious mental health issues including eating disorders, self-harm, suicide or attempted suicide, or the aftermath of such an event.

Depiction or discussion of mental health issues

a character's weakness that leads to their downfall

What are the correct definitions of the word hamartia?

Some argue that in 'Macbeth', Macbeth and Lady Macbeth have a shared hamartia. What is it?

Her immediate plotting after hearing about the prophecies.

Her sleepwalking and talking in Act 5, Scene 1.

Her welcoming Duncan to her castle in Act 1.

Her asking "spirits" to prevent her from feeling guilt after the regicide.

Her emasculation of Macbeth in 1.7 so he commits regicide.

Which of the following moments from 'Macbeth' could be examples of Lady Macbeth's excessive ambition?

His desire to fight at the end of the play despite his Thanes deserting him.

His desire to prove himself to Lady Macbeth following her emasculation of him.

Putting the head of a man he has killed on a wall for all to see.

His interest and trust in the prophecies.

Which of the following moments from 'Macbeth' could be examples of Macbeth's hubris?

She emasculates Macbeth, goading him into regicide.

She is his "dearest partner of greatness".

She arranges Banquo's murder without telling him.

She dominates in Act 1, forcing him into decisions he doesn't want to make.

A student argued, 'Lady Macbeth is to blame for Macbeth's downfall.' What would serve as valid evidence to support this argument?

[Aside] "Glamis, and thane of Cawdor! the greatest is behind."

"Stay, you imperfect speakers, tell me more"

"art not without ambition, but without The illness should attend it"

In Act 1, Scene 3 of 'Macbeth', which quotations best shows Macbeth's ambitious nature?

He retreats from battle to find the witches.

He kills Macduff who the witches told him to "beware" of.

He yields the crown to Malcolm, Duncan's son.

What happens to Macbeth in Act 5 of 'Macbeth'?

In 'Macbeth', why would Lady Macbeth be considered an unconventional woman both in 11th century Scotland, when the play is set, and Jacobean England, when the play was first performed?

That he will ask Lady Macbeth's advice about killing Duncan.

In Act 1, Scene 7  of 'Macbeth', what does Macbeth decide at the end of his soliloquy?

He writes a letter to Lady Macbeth telling her what he has been told.

Banquo describes him as "rap't" - spellbound by them.

He follows them back to their cave to hear more.

He begins having asides showing his desire for the crown.

In Act 1, Scene 3 of 'Macbeth', the witches give Macbeth and Banquo their prophecies. How do we know Macbeth is immediately interested in what they have to say?

He wrote to Lady Macbeth about his prowess on the battlefield.

He invited Duncan to his castle after the battle.

He sticks the traitor's head on Duncan's battlements for all to see.

In Act 1, Scene 2 of 'Macbeth', the Sergeant describes Macbeth's actions in the battle. What are some of the ways Macbeth shows his abilities as a loyal warrior?

At the end of his soliloquy in Act 1, Scene 7 of 'Macbeth', Macbeth gives a definitive reason he won't commit the regicide: "I have no spur To prick the sides of my intent, but only Vaulting {{ }}."

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of serious crime

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

Depiction or discussion of mental health issues

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Lady Macbeth's role in the downfall of Macbeth in 'Macbeth'

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.