Year 11 - English
'Macbeth': exploring the theme of internal conflict
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 create a detailed essay plan about how Macbeth is a conflicted character.
Key Notes
- Act 3 is an important scene as it signifies a shift in Macbeth's behaviour and his relationship with his wife
- Tormented by guilt and fear, he plots Banquo's murder without informing Lady Macbeth
- The relationship between Macbeth and his wife becomes particularly estranged during Act 3, Scene 4
- Arguably, Macbeth is in conflict with both himself and his wife in Act 3
- Thesis statements should present an overarching argument
Vocabulary To Learn
- Tormented: Some who feels tormented is experiencing severe physical or mental suffereing.
- Deteriorating: If something is deteriorating it is becoming progressively worse.
- Estranged: When a relationship is described as being estranged it is means there is no longer closeness between the couple.
- Paradoxical: A situation that is paradoxical is self contradictory or made up of two opposite elements.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Thesis statements have to be very general.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
Act 3 is an important scene as it signifies a shift in Macbeth's behaviour and his relationship with his wife. Tormented by guilt and fear, he plots Banquo's murder without informing Lady Macbeth.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'Tormented'
Some who feels tormented is experiencing severe physical or mental suffereing.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: Thesis statements have to be very general. Correction: Thesis statements can be specific, but they should offer opportunity to consider different interpretations.
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 as the tragic hero Study Guide
- 'Macbeth': exploring Macbeth's death in Act 5 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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