Year 11 - English
'Macbeth': writing nuanced responses about the role of masculinity in the play
Macbeth and masculinity: the struggle for power
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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 write an extended essay about the role of masculinity in 'Macbeth'.
Key Notes
- An evaluative thesis should be used to centre your argument.
- Topic sentences should be used to support your thesis.
- Word classes, semantic fields or language device analysis are required to analyse Shakespeare's purpose, in detail.
- Context should be interwoven and selected to support your argument.
- Conclusions should have a razor sharp focus on the writer's message.
Vocabulary To Learn
- construct: a construct is something which has been carefully crafted by the author for a specific reason or message
- foil: a foil is a character who contrasts with another to highlight their differences
- chivalric code: the chivalric code is an informal code of conduct that many men agreed to live by. It included honour, honesty and loyalty
- patrilineal: a patrilineal society bases lineage or ancestry from the male descendants
- hamartia: hamartia is a character's fatal flaw
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils believe that all exam questions need unique ideas and responses.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
An evaluative thesis should be used to centre your argument. Topic sentences should be used to support your thesis.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'construct'
a construct is something which has been carefully crafted by the author for a specific reason or message.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: Pupils believe that all exam questions need unique ideas and responses. Correction: When looking at the question in the first learning cycle, ask pupils if they can use ideas/arguments from previous 'Macbeth' essays.
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': understanding the significance of a lack of a male heir Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 11 English guide library.