How is Desdemona presented as a fragile woman in Othello?

To plan this essay question, first brainstorm some ideas. E.g. she is brave at the beginning but becomes fragile as the play progresses, why is she fragile is it due to society (context), are all the women presented as fragile, is she presented in this way through the male gaze?Once you have brought your ideas together come up with a general plan. I would begin with - Intro: she is fragile due to society and the patriarchy, shown through her passive language and submission. BUT at the beginning of the novel she is strong, showing how no woman in the Jacobean period could sustain this or it includes aspects of tragedy. This intro includes aspects of context, and alternative opinions, hitting assessment objectives.Paragraph one: how she is powerful at the beginning, use a quote ( e.g. 'let me go with him') and analyse and a secondary source.Paragraph two: How she is fragile at the end, link to context, why she is fragile.Conclusion: sum up your ideas but add in something special perhaps that all women are presented as fragile in Othello, or that Desdemona represents women ruined by society.

Related English Literature A Level answers

All answers ▸

A close reading of Goblin Market by Christina Rossetti on the way female sexuality is explored through class and symbolism.


Where do I start with a poem like Ezra Pound's 'In A Station of the Metro'?


What is meant by the Oedipus Complex in Hamlet?


Can I have an example of an introduction for the question 'Explore how Shakespeare presents Othello?'?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences