'Macbeth': an analysis of Macbeth as a tragic hero
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can write an extended, evaluative response about ‘Macbeth’.
Key learning points
- An introduction could move from the general to the specific
- A conclusion will move from the specific to the general
- Topic sentences and discourse markers are useful for organising your ideas clearly
- Paragraph outlines can be a useful tool for planning essays
Keywords
Timeless - A timeless piece of literature remains eternally relevant, unaffected by the passage of time.
Despot - A ruthless despot is a ruler with absolute power who exercises tyranny over others.
Transformative - A transformative experience is capable of bringing about significant and profound change or improvement.
Culmination - The highest or climactic point, marking the end of a process or event, is the culmination.
Archetype - In storytelling, an archetype is a universally recognised and typical example.
Common misconception
A thesis statement is just a rewording of the essay question.
The essay question is useful in formulating a thesis, however try using key question vocabulary and using it to form your own argument.
Teacher tip
Pupils may find it useful to have other resources, such as idea tracking lines, at hand when planning their extended response.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' for this lesson. There is also a model answer for this lesson available in the additional materials.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What 'ingredient' of a single paragraph outline is missing: , supporting details, summary sentence
Q2.In 'Macbeth', match the character to the fate they suffer by the end of the play.
dies in battle with Macduff
dies by implied suicide due to guilt
is killed by murderers employed by Macbeth
survives Macbeth's reign, killing him in the process
is murdered in his sleep by Macbeth
escapes the murderers sent to kill him
Q3.Starting from the beginning of 'Macbeth', sort the events into the order they happen in the play.
Q4.Which of the following is not a feature you would necessarily expect to see in a tragedy?
Q5.In 'Macbeth', which quotations best illustrate Macbeth's hubris?
Q6.Which part of a story is the denouement?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following would you expect to include on a planning grid? Select all that apply.
Q2.Introduction or conclusion: which should move from the specific to the general?
Q3.Which of the following might you expect to see in an introduction? Select all that apply.
Q4.Which of the following might you not you expect to see in a conclusion?
Q5.Which of the following words is a synonym for 'tyrant'?
Q6.Which word, beginning with 'c', could be placed in this sentence: "Act 5 signifies the << >> of Macbeth's descent. He has transformed from noble warrior to tragic hero."?
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: 'Macbeth': an analysis of Macbeth as a tragic hero, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: 'Macbeth': an analysis of Macbeth as a tragic hero, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 English lessons from the Macbeth: A Tragic Hero unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.