Desdemona

Question 1

Overview

Answer 1

• Paragon ( a perfect example) of virtue
• High rank and culture
• For disloyal wives, her death punishment is a warning
• Shakespeare maintains audiences sympathy
• Othello engineers her tragedy but is enabled by Venetian customs
• Male aggression
• Passive victim
• Guiltless
• Loyal
• Naivety
• Patriarchal society
• Forgiving

Question 2

The ingenue ( innocent/ unsophisticated woman)

Answer 2

• Innocence
• Virtue
• Kindness
• Selflessness
• Unaware of toxic masculinity

Question 3

The mediator

Answer 3

• Placed in the middle of tensions
• In these situations she is diplomatic and empathetic
• Aims to resolve any difficulties
• Shakespeare portrays her extreme altruism (selflessness)
• Others burdens become her own
• Conflicts in the open are taken out on her

Question 4

Strong female protagonist

Answer 4

• Self-assuredness
• Bravery and commitment
• Rebellious
• Resilience
• Defiant act
• Confrontational
• “ A guiltless death I die” act 5 scene 2

Question 5

The martyr ( killed because of their religious beliefs)

Answer 5

• Desdemona becomes dispirited by the end of the play
• Begins to speak of death in Act 4 scene 3
• Her death is now an inevitability
• Shows her funeral request to Emilia
• Loss of courage
•Saint “heavenly true” act 5 scene 2

Question 6

The doting wife

Answer 6

• Unwavering in her love
• he live lifts her spirits and liberates her
• “The heavens forbid/ But our lives and comforts should increase” Act 2 Scene 1
• Oblivious to Iago’s conspiring log empowers her
• Unconditional love
• The ideal wife