Year 11 - English
'Macbeth': exploring King Duncan and leadership
Macbeth and masculinity: the struggle for power
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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 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 Duncan to explore ideas about leadership.
Key Notes
- The motif of nature is used to create a nurturing relationship between Duncan and Macbeth.
- A good leader nurtures and grows others.
- Malcolm is the rightful heir to the throne.
- Duncan is used as a foil to Macbeth.
- Duncan, and his narrative arc, is used as a warning against defying the natural order.
Vocabulary To Learn
- motif: a recurring image or idea in a text is called a motif
- nurturing: if you are nurturing you want to care for and protect someone while they are growing
- foil: a foil is a character who contrasts with another to highlight their differences
- heir: an heir is someone who inherits money, property or a title after a person's death
- natural order: the natural order is the belief that there is a natural way the world is ordered, with laws and rules that should be followed
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils often fail to consider the symbolic importance of Duncan and, in particular, Malcolm in the play.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
The motif of nature is used to create a nurturing relationship between Duncan and Macbeth. A good leader nurtures and grows others.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'motif'
a recurring image or idea in a text is called a motif.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: Pupils often fail to consider the symbolic importance of Duncan and, in particular, Malcolm in the play. Correction: Ask pupils what the moral message of the play would be if Malcolm did not end the play as king.
More Lessons In This Unit
- 'Macbeth': exploring Banquo and the chivalric code 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
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