‘Macbeth’: understanding the significance of a lack of a male heir
I can explain how Macbeth's lack of a male heir fuels his behaviour in the play.
‘Macbeth’: understanding the significance of a lack of a male heir
I can explain how Macbeth's lack of a male heir fuels his behaviour in the play.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Both Jacobean and 11th Century Gaelic societies were patriarchal and based on hereditary power.
- Macbeth is surrounded by men who have male heirs.
- Macbeth's lack of patrilineage could have resulted in insecurities around his masculinity.
- His insecurities could fuel his ambitious nature.
- The witches' prophecies about Banquo highlight the finite nature of Macbeth's power.
Keywords
Patrilineal - a patrilineal society bases lineage or ancestry from the male descendants
Hereditary - hereditary means the passing on of traits (or titles and rights) from parents to their children
Insecurities - if you are uncertain or unsure about yourself, you can be described as having insecurities
Masculinity - masculinity is the qualities regarded as characteristic of men and boys
Patriarchal - a patriarchal society is one created for, and controlled by, men
Common misconception
Pupils assume Macbeth and his wife have never had children.
Remind pupils about Lady Macbeth's "I have given suck" (1.7). Explore the idea that the Macbeths may have had a child die in infancy.
To help you plan your year 11 english lesson on: ‘Macbeth’: understanding the significance of a lack of a male heir, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 english lesson on: ‘Macbeth’: understanding the significance of a lack of a male heir, 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.
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Explore more key stage 4 english lessons from the Macbeth and masculinity: the struggle for power unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
namely, he worries his son will take his throne.
therefore he fears the finite nature of his power.
contrastingly Banquo seems secure in his patrilineal line.