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Year 9

Exploring the characterisation of Desdemona in ‘Othello’

I can explore how Desdemona is characterised, in relation to the role of Jacobean women.

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Year 9

Exploring the characterisation of Desdemona in ‘Othello’

I can explore how Desdemona is characterised, in relation to the role of Jacobean women.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. In Act 1, Desdemona is brave and adventurous, proclaiming her love for Othello and following him to the battleground.
  2. Othello greets her as "my fair warrior" in Act 2, highlighting her strength.
  3. Many argue that Desdemona is a submissive character by the end of the play.
  4. Desdemona's name in Greek means 'ill-fated' or 'unfortunate', suggesting that she is a tragic victim.

Keywords

  • Misogynistic - Strongly prejudiced against women.

  • Submissive - Ready to conform to the authority or will of others.

  • Chaste - To be chaste can mean not having any sexual desire or intentions.

  • Resigned - Having accepted something unpleasant that one cannot do anything about.

Common misconception

Desdemona conforms to Jacobean stereotypes throughout the play.

Desdemona's character changes throughout the play - it is only at the end that she seems to conform.


To help you plan your year 9 english lesson on: Exploring the characterisation of Desdemona in ‘Othello’, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

You can take this lesson as a chance to discuss with the class who is responsible for Desdemona's downfall.
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Teacher tip
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Equipment

You will need a copy of Shakespeare's 'Othello' for this lesson.

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Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
  • Depiction or discussion of sexual violence
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Supervision

Adult supervision required

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Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is revealed about Desdemona in Act 1 of 'Othello'?
She has divorced
Correct answer: She has eloped with Othello
She has been hypnotised
Q2.
How does Desdemona act towards her father in Act 1 Scene 3 of 'Othello' when he asks for her obedience?
Correct answer: She is respectful but boldly professes loyalty to Othello
She obeys her father to separate from Othello
She shouts at her father and rejects him
Q3.
What thought does Iago plant in Othello's mind about Desdemona in Act 3 of 'Othello'?
Correct answer: She is unfaithful
She is in love with Emilia
She is dying
Q4.
How does Othello show his respect for Desdemona in Act 1 Scene 3 of 'Othello'?
He serves her food
Correct answer: He asks for her to be able to tell her side of events
He comforts her when she is crying
He makes her stay in Venice whilst he goes to Cyprus
Q5.
What was not an expectation of Jacobean women?
To be chaste
To be obedient to their father and husband
To be a good mother
Correct answer: To voice their own opinion
Q6.
Which expectation of Jacobean women does Desdemona defy at the beginning of 'Othello'?
To be chaste
Correct answer: To be obedient to their father
To be a good mother

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
How does Desdemona defy societal expectations at the beginning of 'Othello'?
She refuses to marry
Correct answer: She marries without her father's consent
She divorces
She runs away to Cyprus
Q2.
What does Othello accuse Desdemona of in Act 4 Scene 2 of 'Othello'?
Being disobedient
Being loud
Correct answer: Being unchaste
Q3.
What is the significance of Desdemona's willow song in Act 4 Scene 3 of 'Othello'?
It reveals her true feelings for Cassio
It symbolises her desire for revenge
Correct answer: It foreshadows her tragic fate
Correct answer: It shows how she is resigned to her death
Q4.
''It was his bidding. Therefore, good Emilia: Give me my nightly wearing, and adieu: We must not now displease him.'' How does Desdemona come across in this quote from Act 4 Scene 3 of 'Othello'?
Brave
Silent
Correct answer: Submissive
Misogynistic
Q5.
By the end of the play 'Othello', Desdemona seems to...
Correct answer: conform to Jacobean expectations of women.
subvert Jacobean expectations of women.
shock the audience with her actions.
Q6.
Desdemona's tragic fall at the end of 'Othello' seems firmly tied to...
her father's commands.
Correct answer: her husband's downfall.
Roderigo's advances.
Cassio's proposal.