Year 11 - English
'Macbeth': exploring Banquo and the chivalric code
Macbeth and masculinity: the struggle for power
Study Hub
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 the importance of masculinity to Macbeth's downfall. They first explore the role of kingship, the importance of the chivalric code, Macbeth's lack of heir, and the feminine influences on him. Finally, they write nuanced responses about masculinity as Macbeth's hamartia.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to compare Macbeth and Banquo to explore how Shakespeare presents the importance of the chivalric code.
Key Notes
- Banquo acts a foil to Macbeth because his loyalty outweighs his ambition.
- Banquo's son, Fleance, acts as a stark reminder of Macbeth's own lack of heir.
- King James I was believed to be a direct ancestor of the real Banquo.
- Shakespeare uses Macbeth's relationship with Banquo to warn against disobeying the natural order.
- Fleance's survival can be viewed as a reward for Banquo's loyalty.
Vocabulary To Learn
- chivalric code: the chivalric code is an informal code of conduct that many men agreed to live by. It included honour, honesty and loyalty
- aside: an aside is a stage direction where dialogue is intentionally delivered to be heard by the audience, but not the other characters on stage
- scepticism: people show scepticism when they doubt the truth of something
- fervour: fervour means intense or passionate feeling.
- apocalyptic: if something is described as apocalyptic it is catastrophic as it is being compared to the end of the world
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Banquo's main purpose in the play is to act as a foil, highlighting Macbeth's treachery.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
Banquo acts a foil to Macbeth because his loyalty outweighs his ambition. Banquo's son, Fleance, acts as a stark reminder of Macbeth's own lack of heir.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'chivalric code'
the chivalric code is an informal code of conduct that many men agreed to live by. It included honour, honesty and loyalty.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: Banquo's main purpose in the play is to act as a foil, highlighting Macbeth's treachery. Correction: Explore the purpose of Fleance, by asking pupils how they think events would have unfolded if Fleance had been killed too.
More Lessons In This Unit
- 'Macbeth': exploring King Duncan and leadership Study Guide
- 'Macbeth': exploring the external feminine influences in the play Study Guide
- 'Macbeth': masculinity as Macbeth's hamartia Study Guide
- 'Macbeth': the importance of kingship Study Guide
- 'Macbeth': understanding the significance of a lack of a male heir Study Guide
- 'Macbeth': writing nuanced responses about the role of masculinity in the play Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 11 English guide library.