Year 11 - English
'Macbeth': understanding the significance of a lack of a male heir
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 explain how Macbeth's lack of a male heir fuels his behaviour in the play.
Key Notes
- Both Jacobean and 11th Century Gaelic societies were patriarchal and based on hereditary power.
- Macbeth is surrounded by men who have male heirs.
- Macbeth's lack of patrilineage could have resulted in insecurities around his masculinity.
- His insecurities could fuel his ambitious nature.
- The witches' prophecies about Banquo highlight the finite nature of Macbeth's power.
Vocabulary To Learn
- patrilineal: a patrilineal society bases lineage or ancestry from the male descendants
- hereditary: hereditary means the passing on of traits (or titles and rights) from parents to their children
- insecurities: if you are uncertain or unsure about yourself, you can be described as having insecurities
- masculinity: masculinity is the qualities regarded as characteristic of men and boys
- patriarchal: a patriarchal society is one created for, and controlled by, men
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils assume Macbeth and his wife have never had children.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
Both Jacobean and 11th Century Gaelic societies were patriarchal and based on hereditary power. Macbeth is surrounded by men who have male heirs.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'patrilineal'
a patrilineal society bases lineage or ancestry from the male descendants.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: Pupils assume Macbeth and his wife have never had children. Correction: Remind pupils about Lady Macbeth's "I have given suck" (1.7). Explore the idea that the Macbeths may have had a child die in infancy.
More Lessons In This Unit
- 'Macbeth': exploring Banquo and the chivalric code Study Guide
- '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': writing nuanced responses about the role of masculinity in the play Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 11 English guide library.