General Similarities

Question 1

Similarities between desdemona and cleopatra

Answer 1

-both know how to use their famine charm to persuade their lovers into doing what they want them too. (Desdemona: “my Lord shall never rest, I’ll watch him tame and talk him out of patience” )
(Cleopatra: “tawny-finn’d fishes”)

-both powerful women (desdemona in Venetian society, Cleopatra in Egypt)

-both die preserving something that means a lot to them (desdemona
tries to preserve othello’s innocence and reputation, cleopatra preserves her goddess appeal.)

Question 2

The plays’ messages

Answer 2

• Acts as a warning to the audience at the tragedies and bitterness that will become of their lives if they are to let love and passion control them over basic logic and respect.
• be cautious of those you keep close, as they may try to use you for their own gain (cleopatra and Iago)

Question 3

Similarities between othello and Antony

Answer 3

• both have prestigious military careers which have brought them much respect in their communities, but also has built them up to the top, meaning they had a longer fall at the end of both their plays.
• naive in love, othello more so than Antony, but their lives are in the end controlled by love and passion rather than the military logic they are so used too. The military background adds to this naivety.
• both of their loves are strong, influential women (“my title” / queen )