a patrilineal society bases lineage or ancestry from the male descendants

hereditary means the passing on of traits (or titles and rights) from parents to their children

if you are uncertain or unsure about yourself, you can be described as having insecurities

masculinity is the qualities regarded as characteristic of men and boys

a patriarchal society is one created for, and controlled by, men

‘Macbeth’: understanding the significance of a lack of a male heir

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 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.

Shakespeare: second 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

King Duncan says he has 'begun to plant thee' to Macbeth and Banquo.

Banquo declares he be 'the root and father of many kings'.

Macbeth laments his 'fruitless crown' and 'barren scepter'.

Macbeth sees an apparition of a child wearing a crown, holding a tree.

Birnam Wood moves towards the castle, prophesying Macbeth's death.

The list below are some of the references to the motif of nature that occur in 'Macbeth'. Starting with the first, put them into chronological order.

namely, he worries his son will take his throne.

therefore he fears the finite nature of his power.

contrastingly Banquo seems secure in his patrilineal line.

Match the clauses about 'Macbeth' to make three logical inferences.

A society where titles are passed down from parents to children.

A society built by men and controlled by men.

A society where titles are passed down through male descendants.

Use of markers to indicate which part of the play is being analysed.

A focus on the writer and their intentions.

Which of the following is **not** part of the success criteria for a topic sentence?

Without a male heir, Macbeth is aware his titles and power will die with him.

Macbeth worries that Banquo's son will take his crown.

Macbeth is jealous that others have male heirs and he does not.

Macbeth's lack of patrilineage drives his ambitious behaviour.

'In a patrilineal society, Macbeth's lack of male heir reminds him of his finite power.' Which sentence below best paraphrases this argument about 'Macbeth'?

It is a cruel reminder of Macbeth's lack of patrilineal line.

It reminds Macbeth of the children he did not have.

Perhaps the branch represents Macbeth's family tree, which dies out with him.

It represents Fleance, Banquo's son, who will eventually become king.

In 'Macbeth', what does the "apparition of the child holding the tree" mean to Macbeth? Select the best responses.

Who is the only character to **not** have an heir at the start of the play?

A recurring idea in a piece of literature is called a {{ }}?

Which language device does Shakespeare use when Macbeth calls his crown a 'fruitless crown?'

Too poor to produce much or any vegetation

What does 'barren' mean? Select **two** definitions.

A social system is which positions of privilege are predominantly held by men.

A social system which prioritises the needs of the rich.

A social system which prioritises the needs of the monarchy.

Macbeth is worried Banquo will betray him.

Macbeth is worried Banquo will betray him to enable his son to become king.

Why is Macbeth paranoid about Banquo's prophecy? Select the **best** inference from the answers below.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

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