A timeless piece of literature remains eternally relevant, unaffected by the passage of time.

A ruthless despot is a ruler with absolute power who exercises tyranny over others.

A transformative experience is capable of bringing about significant and profound change or improvement.

The highest or climactic point, marking the end of a process or event, is the culmination.

In storytelling, an archetype is a universally recognised and typical example.

'Macbeth': an analysis of Macbeth as a tragic hero

English

In 'Macbeth: A Tragic Hero', pupils become more critical of Macbeth, analysing the role he plays in his own downfall. In 'Macbeth & Masculinity: The Struggle for Power', pupils explore how Macbeth's insecurity surrounding his masculinity is his hamartia.

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 this unit, pupils analyse how Macbeth is presented as a tragic hero. They first deepen their understanding of Shakespearean tragedy and tragic heroes, and then use this knowledge to analyse key scenes from the play. Finally, they prepare an essay on how Macbeth is presented as a tragic hero.

Shakespeare: first deep dive

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction of war, threats of war, death or the aftermath of war.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Which of the following would you expect to include on a planning grid? Select **all** that apply.

Introduction or conclusion: which should move from the specific to the general?

contextualisation of the scene, chapter or character that the question is about

embedded quotations your response will focus on

Which of the following might you expect to see in an introduction? Select **all** that apply.

Which of the following might you **not** you expect to see in a conclusion? 

Which of the following words is a synonym for 'tyrant'?

Which word, beginning with 'c', could be placed in this sentence: "Act 5 signifies the << >> of Macbeth's descent. He has transformed from noble warrior to tragic hero."?

What 'ingredient' of a single paragraph outline is missing: {{}}, supporting details, summary sentence

is killed by murderers employed by Macbeth

survives Macbeth's reign, killing him in the process

In 'Macbeth', match the character to the fate they suffer by the end of the play.

Macbeth is intrigued by the witches' prophecies.

Encouraged by his wife, Macbeth kills the king.

Once on the throne, Macbeth becomes paranoid by Banquo.

Macbeth has Banquo killed but does not tell his wife.

Macbeth realises the futility of his pursuit of power.

Macbeth heads into battle with Macduff, despite the witches' warnings.

Starting from the beginning of 'Macbeth', sort the events into the order they happen in the play.

Which of the following is **not** a feature you would necessarily expect to see in a tragedy?

"Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood?"

"I'll fight till from my bones my flesh be hack'd."

In 'Macbeth', which quotations best illustrate Macbeth's hubris? 

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision recommended

Introduction

What will you need for this lesson?

Are you ready to learn?

Equipment

Content guidance

Supervision

Worksheet