New
New
Year 9
Exploring the characterisation of Desdemona in ‘Othello’
I can explore how Desdemona is characterised, in relation to the role of Jacobean women.
New
New
Year 9
Exploring the characterisation of Desdemona in ‘Othello’
I can explore how Desdemona is characterised, in relation to the role of Jacobean women.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Switch to our new teaching resources now - designed by teachers and leading subject experts, and tested in classrooms.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- In Act 1, Desdemona is brave and adventurous, proclaiming her love for Othello and following him to the battleground.
- Othello greets her as "my fair warrior" in Act 2, highlighting her strength.
- Many argue that Desdemona is a submissive character by the end of the play.
- 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.
You can take this lesson as a chance to discuss with the class who is responsible for Desdemona's downfall.
Teacher tip
Equipment
You will need a copy of Shakespeare's 'Othello' for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of sexual violence
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
Loading...
Starter quiz
Download starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.
What is revealed about Desdemona in Act 1 of 'Othello'?
She has divorced
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?
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'?
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
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
Q6.
Which expectation of Jacobean women does Desdemona defy at the beginning of 'Othello'?
To be chaste
To be a good mother
Exit quiz
Download exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.
How does Desdemona defy societal expectations at the beginning of 'Othello'?
She refuses to marry
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
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
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
Misogynistic
Q5.
By the end of the play 'Othello', Desdemona seems to...
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.
Roderigo's advances.
Cassio's proposal.