Skip to content
Oak National Academy
Oak National Academy
Teachers
Pupils
New
New
Year 11
AQA

‘Macbeth’: writing nuanced responses about the role of masculinity in the play

I can write an extended essay about the role of masculinity in 'Macbeth'.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils
New
New
Year 11
AQA

‘Macbeth’: writing nuanced responses about the role of masculinity in the play

I can write an extended essay about the role of masculinity in 'Macbeth'.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. An evaluative thesis should be used to centre your argument
  2. Topic sentences should be used to support your thesis.
  3. Word classes, semantic fields or language device analysis are required to analyse Shakespeare’s purpose, in detail
  4. Context should be interwoven and selected to support your argument
  5. Conclusions should have a razor sharp focus on the writer's message

Common misconception

Pupils believe that all exam questions need unique ideas and responses.

When looking at the question in the first learning cycle, ask pupils if they can use ideas/arguments from previous 'Macbeth' essays.

Keywords

  • Construct - a construct is something which has been carefully crafted by the author for a specific reason or message.

  • Foil - a foil is a character who contrasts with another to highlight their differences.

  • Chivalric code - the chivalric code is an informal code of conduct that many men agreed to live by. It included honour, honesty and loyalty.

  • Patrilineal - a patrilineal society bases lineage or ancestry from the male descendants.

  • Hamartia - hamartia is a character’s fatal flaw.

Consider previous essays pupils have written for you, what are the links to this question? Have a clear exemplar to share with them e.g. 'in the essay we wrote about Lady Macbeth we explored her impact. How could we use ideas from that essay here?'
Teacher tip

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

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).

Video

Skip video

Loading...

Starter quiz

Download starter quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following could not logically be described as Macbeth's hamartia?
His hubris.
His bloodlust.
Correct answer: His bravery.
His insecurities surrounding masculinity.
Q2.
Which of these is not a value of the chivalric code?
Honour
Honesty
Loyalty
Correct answer: Intelligence
Q3.
Complete this sentence: is used as a foil to Macbeth as his connection with his grief contrasts with Macbeth's hyper-masculine rejection of emotion.
Correct Answer: Macduff
Q4.
Which of the following sentences demonstrates the correct use of the word 'emasculation?'
Lady Macbeth emasculation her husband.
Correct answer: Arguably, the emasculation of Macbeth leads to his downfall.
Macbeth's hamartia was his emasculation.
Macbeth's most noble quality was his emasculation.
Q5.
Which quotation below best illustrates than Macduff is a more well-rounded man than Macbeth?
"Bleed, bleed, poor country!"
"Tyrant, show thy face!"
"Macduff was from his mother's womb untimely ripped."
Correct answer: "But I must also feel it like a man."
Q6.
Fill in the blank: Arguably, Macbeth's hamartia is the insecurities he feels about his lack of line
Correct Answer: patrilineal, Patrilineal

Exit quiz

Download exit quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
What is a thesis statement?
Correct answer: A sentence in your introduction that signifies your overarching argument.
Each paragraph opens with a thesis statement that outlines your argument.
A sentence in your conclusion that summarises your argument.
Q2.
Select the two words you would expect to be used when offering a deeper analysis.
Correct answer: Evaluative
Conventional
Correct answer: Nuanced
Q3.
Arguments should have a razor sharp focus on the writer's .
Correct Answer: message, Message, purpose, Purpose
Q4.
A is a character who has been created by the author for a specific purpose.
Correct Answer: construct, Construct
Q5.
Match each character to the reason they act as a foil to Macbeth.
Correct Answer:King Duncan,illustrates the values of a good leader.

illustrates the values of a good leader.

Correct Answer:Banquo,illustrates the values of a loyal ally.

illustrates the values of a loyal ally.

Correct Answer:Macduff,illustrates the values of a noble warrior.

illustrates the values of a noble warrior.

Q6.
Select three criteria of an essay where a student uses deeper analysis.
Correct answer: An evaluative or critical thesis.
Correct answer: Analysis of language, form and structure is interwoven and supports each other.
Conventional interpretations of characters and theme.
Correct answer: Context is highlight selective and used to support arguments.