Year 11 - English
'Macbeth': exploring Macbeth's death in Act 5
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 use different parts of the play to justify your opinions of Macbeth.
Key Notes
- Some may argue that Macbeth shows remorse before his death
- Others may argue Macbeth's death is a consequence of his hubris
- Audiences may feel differently about Macbeth's death
- Tracking ideas across a text help create a more thorough analysis
- Discourse markers are useful when tracking ideas
Vocabulary To Learn
- Noble: If you have fine personal qualities or high moral principles, you may be described as noble.
- Chivalric code: The chivalric code was a set of standards for knights to follow.
- Remorseful: If you are remorseful you are sorry for what you have done.
- Defiant: Someone who shows open resistance or disobedience could be described as being defiant.
- Futility: Futility means pointlessness or uselessness.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- All audiences will feel the same about Macbeth's death.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
Some may argue that Macbeth shows remorse before his death. Others may argue Macbeth's death is a consequence of his hubris.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'Noble'
If you have fine personal qualities or high moral principles, you may be described as noble.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: All audiences will feel the same about Macbeth's death. Correction: Remind pupils that the joy of literature is exploring different responses to the same text. Use LC1 to identify these differences.
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 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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