'Macbeth': exploring Macbeth as the tragic hero
I can identify the ways in which Macbeth is a tragic hero.
'Macbeth': exploring Macbeth as the tragic hero
I can identify the ways in which Macbeth is a tragic hero.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Hubris, hamartia, stubornnesss and self-discovery are all characteristics of a tragic hero
- Macbeth displays hubris by disregarding the natural order
- Some people argue that Macbeth’s hamartia is his overly ambitious nature
- Macbeth feels guilt throughout the play, although it is arguable whether he learns a moral lesson
Keywords
Hubris - Hubris is an extreme and unreasonable sense of pride in yourself.
Stubborn - Someone who is determined to do what they want and refuses to change their mind can be described as being stubborn.
Disregard - If you disregard something you ignore it, and refuse to let it influence you.
Palpable - If a feeling is very obvious or very strong it can be described as being palpable.
Common misconception
Pupils think Macbeth has all of the characteristics of a tragic hero.
Use learning cycle 2 to draw out a debate about whether Macbeth actually learnt a lesson, highlighting where pupils may not agree.
To help you plan your year 11 english lesson on: 'Macbeth': exploring Macbeth as the tragic hero, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 english lesson on: 'Macbeth': exploring Macbeth as the tragic hero, 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 a copy of Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of serious crime
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
