'Macbeth': the play as a Shakespearean tragedy
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how Macbeth meets the conventions of a Shakespearean tragedy.
Key learning points
- Shakespeare’s tragedies often focus on the fall of noblemen
- Shakespearean tragic heroes such as Macbeth, often fall victim to external pressures
- Some audiences may feel catharsis by Macbeth’s downfall
- Tragedies tend to stress the consequences of disobeying the accepted order of things
- Freytag's pyramid is a useful tool in discussing the structure of Macbeth
Keywords
Hamartia - Hamartia is a fatal flaw a character holds.
Anagnorisis - Anagnorisis is when a character notices the true nature of their own circumstances.
Peripeteia - Peripeteia is part of a play when there are a sudden change in circumstances.
Hierarchy - A hierarchy is a system in which people or things are put at various levels or ranks according to their importance.
Catharsis - Catharsis is the process of releasing strong emotions in a way that helps you to understand those emotions.
Common misconception
There is only one plot point that fits to each part of Freytag's structure.
When discussing climax, ask pupils if any other events in the play could be considered the climax.
Teacher tip
Model Freytag's pyramid against a story your pupils have read together.
Equipment
You may find it helpful to have access to a copy of Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' for this lesson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of serious crime
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In 'Macbeth', what was the name of the king who Macbeth and his wife plotted the murder of?
Q2.In 'Macbeth', how many times does Macbeth hear prophecies from the witches?
Q3.Which of the following characters does not die in 'Macbeth'?
Q4.Place the following events in the order they occur in 'Macbeth'.
Q5.Which word means Lady Macbeth made Macbeth feel like less of a man?
Q6.Which adjective, starting with M, means scheming and cunning? It can be used to describe Lady Macbeth. The word is derived from the name of an Italian philosopher.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Place Freytag's structure in the order you would expect them to appear in a drama.
Q2.Which of the following words means "the turning point of the play"?
Q3.Match Freytag's structure to the definitition
sets the scene
complications arise
unknown plot details are wrapped up
the unravelling or final outcome of the drama
Q4.Which word means fatal flaw?
Q5.Macbeth's murder of King Duncan is arguably an example of ...
Q6.Which events in the play are examples of Macbeth displaying the characteristic of anagnorisis?
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: 'Macbeth': the play as a Shakespearean tragedy, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: 'Macbeth': the play as a Shakespearean tragedy, 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.