qualities or attributes regarded as characteristic of men or boys

a quality that combines respect, being proud, and honesty

a set idea that people have about what someone or something is like

a contest with deadly weapons arranged between two people in order to settle a point of honour

'Romeo and Juliet': contextualising violence and honour in Elizabethan society

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

power to influence or command thought, opinion, or behaviour

characteristic of animals, particularly in being physical and instinctive

'Romeo and Juliet': violence, masculinity and society in Act 1, Scene 1

a system in which people or things are arranged according to their importance

dismiss (someone or something) as unimportant

'Romeo and Juliet': violence, honour and social hierarchy in Act 1, Scene 5

necessary to make a whole complete; essential or fundamental

bringing shame or disgrace on someone or something

the action of accepting or yielding to a superior force or to the will or authority of another person

Analysing ideas of violence and honour in Act 3, Scene 1 of 'Romeo and Juliet'

relating to or denoting a system of society or government controlled by men

failure or refusal to obey rules or someone in authority

Lord Capulet's honour and violence in Act 3, Scene 5 of 'Romeo and Juliet'

polite, respectful, or considerate in manner

showing a readiness to give more of something, especially money, than is necessary or expected

'Romeo and Juliet': honour, violence and masculinity in Act 5, Scene 3

the circumstances in which a text is written and also the circumstances in which the text is read

a written or spoken statement in which you say or write that something is true all of the time

has subtle details that make it complex and interesting

Shakespeare: first deep dive

Romeo and Juliet: the integral role of violence and honour to masculinity

Choose a lesson (7)

These lessons will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.