Hubris is an extreme and unreasonable sense of pride in yourself.

Someone who is determined to do what they want and refuses to change their mind can be described as being stubborn.

If you disregard something you ignore it, and refuse to let it influence you.

If a feeling is very obvious or very strong it can be described as being palpable.

'Macbeth': exploring Macbeth as the tragic hero

English

In 'Macbeth: A Tragic Hero', pupils become more critical of Macbeth, analysing the role he plays in his own downfall. In 'Macbeth & Masculinity: The Struggle for Power', pupils explore how Macbeth's insecurity surrounding his masculinity is his hamartia.

In 'Macbeth: Lady Macbeth as a Machiavellian Villain', pupils focus on the role that Lady Macbeth plays in the downfall of her husband. In 'Macbeth: A Tragic Hero', pupils become more critical of Macbeth's own decisions, evaluating whether he could be considered a tragic hero.

In this unit, pupils analyse how Macbeth is presented as a tragic hero. They first deepen their understanding of Shakespearean tragedy and tragic heroes, and then use this knowledge to analyse key scenes from the play. Finally, they prepare an essay on how Macbeth is presented as a tragic hero.

Shakespeare: first deep dive

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Which of the following sentences correctly uses the word **palpable**?

Which word means an extreme and unreasonable sense of pride in yourself?

Macbeth revisits the witches to hear more prophecies.

Macbeth orders the murder of Macduff and his family.

Macbeth dies in battle and Malcolm ascends to the throne.

In 'Macbeth', which of the following are examples of Macbeth disregarding the natural order? 

Complete this quotation from 'Macbeth' which illustrates Macbeth's guilt: "Glamis hath murder'd {{ }}, and therefore Cawdor shall {{ }} no more."

Which of the following is **not** a characteristic of a tragic hero?

Macbeth believes Macduff is unable to kill him.

Macbeth order Banquo and Fleance's death.

Macbeth is intrigued by the witches' initial prophecies.

In 'Macbeth', which of the following is **not** an example of Macbeth's hubristic attitude?

Which of the following adjectives would it **not** be logical to use to describe Macbeth in 'Macbeth'?

The leading character in a play or novel.

A supporting character in a play or novel.

Which of the following is the correct definition for 'protagonist'?

He believed he was a stronger warrior than Macduff and could beat him in battle.

The witches predicted Fleance would kill him, not Macduff.

The prophecies led him to believe he could not be killed by man born of woman.

In the play 'Macbeth', why did Macbeth believe Macduff would not kill him?

What word means 'a character's fatal flaw'?

Macbeth is killed by Macduff during battle.

Which of the following happens in the denouement of 'Macbeth'?

Lady Macbeth manages to manipulate her husband.

Macbeth believes he cannot be killed by Macduff.

Macbeth is awarded the title of Thane of Cawdor.

In 'Macbeth', which of the following is an example of Macbeth's arrogance?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of serious crime

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

'Macbeth': exploring Macbeth as the tragic hero

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.