Key learning points

1. Shakespeare’s tragedies often focus on the fall of noblemen
2. Shakespearean tragic heroes such as Macbeth, often fall victim to external pressures
3. Some audiences may feel catharsis by Macbeth’s downfall
4. Tragedies tend to stress the consequences of disobeying the accepted order of things
5. Freytag's pyramid is a useful tool in discussing the structure of Macbeth

Common misconception

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.