Year 11 - English
'Macbeth': exploring the external feminine influences in the play
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 explain why Macbeth was susceptible to manipulation by female characters in the play.
Key Notes
- Macbeth's lack of a male heir makes him susceptible to Lady Macbeth's manipulations.
- Lady Macbeth uses Macbeth's insecurities to emasculate him.
- Macbeth is more likely to believe the witches' prophecies due to his insecurities.
- Macbeth's lack of a male heir makes him more likely to betray Banquo and Duncan.
- Shakespeare upholds the status quo by punishing characters who do not conform to conventional gender roles.
Vocabulary To Learn
- external influences: external influences are factors beyond a characters control which may affect their decisions or behaviour
- susceptible: susceptible means you are liable to be influenced by something
- emasculation: emasculation is the act of depriving a man or his masculine strength or role, making him feel less masculine
- vulnerable: people who are vulnerable are exposed to harm, either physically or emotionally
- revolutionary: revolutionary can mean dramatic change or being engaged in political revolution
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils believe Lady Macbeth holds most of the responsibility for Macbeth's actions.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
Macbeth's lack of a male heir makes him susceptible to Lady Macbeth's manipulations. Lady Macbeth uses Macbeth's insecurities to emasculate him.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'external influences'
external influences are factors beyond a characters control which may affect their decisions or behaviour.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: Pupils believe Lady Macbeth holds most of the responsibility for Macbeth's actions. Correction: When considering the witches' role, ask pupils which ideas can be used to counter the significance of Lady Macbeth's role in his downfall?
More Lessons In This Unit
- 'Macbeth': exploring Banquo and the chivalric code Study Guide
- 'Macbeth': exploring King Duncan and leadership 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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