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 ▸

How am I supposed to analyse the portrayal of Ophelia in Hamlet


How can I effectively plan an essay (on chosen book)?


Explore the use of symbolism in Othello.


What is creative transformational coursework?


We're here to help

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