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Year 11
AQA

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

I can write an extended, evaluative response about ‘Macbeth’.

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New
New
Year 11
AQA

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

I can write an extended, evaluative response about ‘Macbeth’.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. An introduction could move from the general to the specific
  2. A conclusion will move from the specific to the general
  3. Topic sentences and discourse markers are useful for organising your ideas clearly
  4. Paragraph outlines can be a useful tool for planning essays

Common misconception

A thesis statement is just a rewording of the essay question.

The essay question is useful in formulating a thesis, however try using key question vocabulary and using it to form your own argument.

Keywords

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

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

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

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

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

Pupils may find it useful to have other resources, such as idea tracking lines, at hand when planning their extended response.
Teacher tip

Equipment

You will need access to a copy of Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' for this lesson. There is also a model answer for this lesson available in the additional materials.

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
  • Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What 'ingredient' of a single paragraph outline is missing: , supporting details, summary sentence
Correct Answer: topic sentence, Topic sentence, Topic Sentence, topic sentence., Topic sentence.
Q2.
In 'Macbeth', match the character to the fate they suffer by the end of the play.
Correct Answer:Macbeth,dies in battle with Macduff

dies in battle with Macduff

Correct Answer:Lady Macbeth,dies by implied suicide due to guilt

dies by implied suicide due to guilt

Correct Answer:Banquo,is killed by murderers employed by Macbeth

is killed by murderers employed by Macbeth

Correct Answer:Macduff,survives Macbeth's reign, killing him in the process

survives Macbeth's reign, killing him in the process

Correct Answer:King Duncan,is murdered in his sleep by Macbeth

is murdered in his sleep by Macbeth

Correct Answer:Fleance,escapes the murderers sent to kill him

escapes the murderers sent to kill him

Q3.
Starting from the beginning of 'Macbeth', sort the events into the order they happen in the play.
1 - Macbeth is intrigued by the witches' prophecies.
2 - Encouraged by his wife, Macbeth kills the king.
3 - Once on the throne, Macbeth becomes paranoid by Banquo.
4 - Macbeth has Banquo killed but does not tell his wife.
5 - Macbeth realises the futility of his pursuit of power.
6 - Macbeth heads into battle with Macduff, despite the witches' warnings.
7 - Macbeth is beheaded.
Q4.
Which of the following is not a feature you would necessarily expect to see in a tragedy?
hierarchy
external pressures
hamartia
Correct answer: a romantic relationship
Q5.
In 'Macbeth', which quotations best illustrate Macbeth's hubris?
"Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood?"
Correct answer: “Why do I yield to that suggestion?”
Correct answer: "I'll fight till from my bones my flesh be hack'd."
Q6.
Which part of a story is the denouement?
the beginning
the middle
Correct answer: the end

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following would you expect to include on a planning grid? Select all that apply.
complete introduction
Correct answer: thesis statement
Correct answer: topic sentences
Correct answer: supporting details
Correct answer: summary sentences
Q2.
Introduction or conclusion: which should move from the specific to the general?
Correct Answer: conclusion, Conclusion, conclusion., Conclusion.
Q3.
Which of the following might you expect to see in an introduction? Select all that apply.
Correct answer: a sentence about the text as a whole
Correct answer: contextualisation of the scene, chapter or character that the question is about
embedded quotations your response will focus on
Correct answer: a clear thesis statement
a clear topic sentence
Q4.
Which of the following might you not you expect to see in a conclusion?
a summary of your key arguments
Correct answer: repetition of your thesis
a focus on the writer's intention
the impact of the text on society today
Q5.
Which of the following words is a synonym for 'tyrant'?
Machiavellian
Correct answer: despot
monarch
liberator
Q6.
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."?
Correct Answer: culmination, culmination., Culmination, Culmination.

Additional material

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