Key words

Question 1

Definition of hamartia

Answer 1

A character’s fatal flaw which leads to their downfall

Question 2

Definition of irresistible allure

Answer 2

A powerful attraction which is hard to resist

eg. The prophecy holds an irresistible allure for Macbeth, tempting him towards kingship

Question 3

Definition of carcass of insanity

Answer 3

A metaphor to describe a state of complete madness or mental breakdown

eg. Consumed by guilt, LM becomes a carcass of insanity, unable to clear her conscience

Question 4

Definition of tragic hero

Answer 4

A noble character who experiences a downfall due to their own flaws

Question 5

Definition of anagnorisis

Answer 5

The moment where a character realises the truth of their situation or their own faults

Question 6

Definition of androgynous

Answer 6

Combining or showing characteristics associated with both genders

eg. Macbeth’s actions become androgynous as he exhibits aggression and emotional vulnerability

Question 7

Definition of peripeteia

Answer 7

Sudden reversal of fortune

eg. The prophecies initiate Macbeth’s peripeteia, transforming him from a nobleman to a desperate tyrant

Question 8

Definition of duplicitious

Answer 8

Deceptive or dishonest in one’s actions or intentions

Question 9

Definition of femme fatale

Answer 9

Seductive manipulative woman who often leads men to their doom

eg. The femme fatale in LM emerges when…

Question 10

Definition of quintessential

Answer 10

The perfect example

eg. LM is Shakespeare’s quintessential femme fatale