Year 11 - English
'Macbeth': exploring Macbeth as the tragic hero
Macbeth: A Tragic Hero
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Study Guides
This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils analyse how Macbeth is presented as a tragic hero. They first deepen their understanding of Shakespearean tragedy and tragic heroes, and then use this knowledge to analyse key scenes from the play. Finally, they prepare an essay on how Macbeth is presented as a tragic hero.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to identify the ways in which Macbeth is a tragic hero.
Key Notes
- 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
Vocabulary To Learn
- 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 Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils think Macbeth has all of the characteristics of a tragic hero.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
Hubris, hamartia, stubornnesss and self-discovery are all characteristics of a tragic hero. Macbeth displays hubris by disregarding the natural order.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'Hubris'
Hubris is an extreme and unreasonable sense of pride in yourself.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: Pupils think Macbeth has all of the characteristics of a tragic hero. Correction: Use learning cycle 2 to draw out a debate about whether Macbeth actually learnt a lesson, highlighting where pupils may not agree.
More Lessons In This Unit
- 'Macbeth' Act 2 Scene 1: the dagger hallucination Study Guide
- 'Macbeth': an analysis of Macbeth as a tragic hero Study Guide
- 'Macbeth': exploring Macbeth's death in Act 5 Study Guide
- 'Macbeth': exploring the theme of internal conflict Study Guide
- 'Macbeth': the play as a Shakespearean tragedy Study Guide
- 'Macbeth': the witches' prophecies in Act 1, Scene 3 Study Guide
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