Exploring the characterisation of Desdemona in ‘Othello’
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explore how Desdemona is characterised, in relation to the role of Jacobean women.
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.
Teacher tip
You can take this lesson as a chance to discuss with the class who is responsible for Desdemona's downfall.
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
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is revealed about Desdemona in Act 1 of 'Othello'?
Q2.How does Desdemona act towards her father in Act 1 Scene 3 of 'Othello' when he asks for her obedience?
Q3.What thought does Iago plant in Othello's mind about Desdemona in Act 3 of 'Othello'?
Q4.How does Othello show his respect for Desdemona in Act 1 Scene 3 of 'Othello'?
Q5.What was not an expectation of Jacobean women?
Q6.Which expectation of Jacobean women does Desdemona defy at the beginning of 'Othello'?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.How does Desdemona defy societal expectations at the beginning of 'Othello'?
Q2.What does Othello accuse Desdemona of in Act 4 Scene 2 of 'Othello'?
Q3.What is the significance of Desdemona's willow song in Act 4 Scene 3 of 'Othello'?
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'?
Q5.By the end of the play 'Othello', Desdemona seems to...
Q6.Desdemona's tragic fall at the end of 'Othello' seems firmly tied to...
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Exploring the characterisation of Desdemona in ‘Othello’, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Exploring the characterisation of Desdemona in ‘Othello’, 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 3 English lessons from the 'Othello' unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.