'Macbeth': the play as a Shakespearean tragedy
I can explain how Macbeth meets the conventions of a Shakespearean tragedy.
'Macbeth': the play as a Shakespearean tragedy
I can explain how Macbeth meets the conventions of a Shakespearean tragedy.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Shakespeare’s tragedies often focus on the fall of noblemen
- Shakespearean tragic heroes such as Macbeth, often fall victim to external pressures
- Some audiences may feel catharsis by Macbeth’s downfall
- Tragedies tend to stress the consequences of disobeying the accepted order of things
- Freytag's pyramid is a useful tool in discussing the structure of Macbeth
Keywords
Hamartia - Hamartia is a fatal flaw a character holds.
Anagnorisis - Anagnorisis is when a character notices the true nature of their own circumstances.
Peripeteia - Peripeteia is part of a play when there are a sudden change in circumstances.
Hierarchy - A hierarchy is a system in which people or things are put at various levels or ranks according to their importance.
Catharsis - Catharsis is the process of releasing strong emotions in a way that helps you to understand those emotions.
Common misconception
There is only one plot point that fits to each part of Freytag's structure.
When discussing climax, ask pupils if any other events in the play could be considered the climax.
To help you plan your year 11 english lesson on: 'Macbeth': the play as a Shakespearean tragedy, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 english lesson on: 'Macbeth': the play as a Shakespearean tragedy, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 english lessons from the Macbeth: A Tragic Hero unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
You may find it helpful to have access to a copy of Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of serious crime
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
sets the scene
complications arise
unknown plot details are wrapped up
the unravelling or final outcome of the drama