Estimated Reading Time: 18 min
🡆 Before you begin the quiz, read the summary of The Tragedy of Othello by William Shakespeare.
The Tragedy of Othello MCQs
1. What is Roderigo’s initial complaint to Iago?
A. Iago did not inform him of Othello’s marriage
B. Iago spent too much of his money
C. Iago betrayed his trust
D. Iago refused to help him
2. Why does Iago hate Othello?
A. Othello insulted him publicly
B. Othello chose Cassio as his lieutenant over him
C. Othello refused to pay him
D. Othello is a Moor
3. How does Iago describe Michael Cassio?
A. A seasoned warrior
B. A great arithmetician
C. A man of noble birth
D. A trusted friend of Othello
4. What position did Othello give Iago instead of lieutenant?
A. Sergeant
B. Captain
C. Ancient
D. Standard-bearer
5. What is Iago’s stated intention regarding following Othello?
A. To serve him faithfully
B. To serve his own turn upon him
C. To learn military strategy
D. To gain promotion
6. Iago famously declares, “I am not what I am.” What does this statement imply about his character?
A. He is confused about his identity
B. He is a master of disguise
C. He is deceptive and hides his true self
D. He is humble and self-effacing
7. What does Iago advise Roderigo to do to Brabantio?
A. Confront him politely
B. Call up her father and poison his delight
C. Seek his blessing
D. Challenge Othello to a duel
8. How does Iago describe Othello and Desdemona’s union to Brabantio?
A. An unholy alliance
B. An old black ram is topping your white ewe
C. A scandalous elopement
D. A match against nature
9. What is Brabantio’s initial reaction when Roderigo and Iago first call out to him?
A. He is grateful for the warning
B. He dismisses them as drunkards
C. He asks the reason for the terrible summons
D. He calls for his servants
10. Brabantio tells Roderigo he has often charged him not to do what?
A. Speak ill of Othello
B. Haunt about his doors
C. Drink too much
D. Gamble away his money
11. What “profane wretch” does Brabantio call Iago?
A. A ruffian
B. A slave
C. A thief
D. A villain
12. Roderigo informs Brabantio that Desdemona was transported by whom to Othello?
A. A common hired knave, a gondolier
B. A servant
C. A trusted kinsman
D. Iago himself
13. What reason does Iago give for leaving Brabantio after rousing him?
A. He fears Othello’s anger
B. It seems not meet, nor wholesome to his place to be produced against the Moor
C. He needs to prepare for battle
D. He has other duties to attend to
14. What important state business is Othello involved in that makes him indispensable?
A. Negotiations with France
B. The Cyprus wars
C. A trade dispute with Turkey
D. A diplomatic mission to Venice
15. Brabantio suspects Desdemona’s actions are due to what?
A. A fit of madness
B. Charms and witchcraft
C. Her own rebellious nature
D. Roderigo’s persuasion
16. What does Iago claim he almost did to someone who spoke ill of Othello?
A. Challenged him to a duel
B. Yerk’d him under the ribs
C. Reported him to Othello
D. Ignored him
17. Iago warns Othello that Brabantio is “much beloved” and has what influence?
A. A voice potential as double as the duke’s
B. The power to banish him
C. Many allies in the Senate
D. A large army at his command
18. Othello expresses confidence that his services to the Signiory will do what?
A. Be forgotten
B. Be rewarded
C. Out-tongue Brabantio’s complaints
D. Be questioned by the Duke
19. Othello declares that he would not have married Desdemona, despite loving her, for what reason?
A. He prefers his “unhoused free condition”
B. He fears Brabantio’s wrath
C. He is dedicated to his military career
D. He intended to marry someone else
20. Who arrives with officers to summon Othello?
A. Lodovico
B. Montano
C. Cassio
D. Gratiano
21. What is the urgent state business that requires Othello’s immediate presence?
A. A local rebellion
B. Something from Cyprus, concerning a Turkish fleet
C. A trade dispute with Turkey
D. A diplomatic mission to Venice
22. How does Iago figuratively describe Othello’s marriage to Cassio?
A. He has won a great treasure
B. He hath boarded a land carack
C. He has stolen a jewel
D. He has made a dangerous voyage
23. What does Brabantio call Othello when he confronts him?
A. A noble Moor
B. A foul thief
C. A courageous general
D. A cunning warrior
24. Brabantio accuses Othello of using “foul charms, drugs or minerals” to do what?
A. Steal his daughter’s wealth
B. Abuse Desdemona’s delicate youth
C. Undermine his authority
D. Gain military advantage
25. What is Othello’s response to Brabantio’s charge and drawing of swords?
A. He fights back aggressively
B. He commands, “Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them”
C. He calls for assistance
D. He surrenders immediately
26. To what authority does Othello agree to answer Brabantio’s charge?
A. The Duke and the state
B. A private arbitrator
C. Brabantio himself
D. A military court
27. Brabantio argues that if Othello’s actions go unpunished, what will happen?
A. Venice will fall
B. Bond-slaves and pagans shall our statesmen be
C. Law and order will collapse
D. All daughters will rebel
28. What do the Duke and Senators discuss the initial issue?
A. The state of Venetian trade
B. Conflicting reports about the size of the Turkish fleet
C. A dispute with Cyprus
D. A new tax levy
29. A sailor reports that the Turkish preparation is for where, initially?
A. Cyprus
B. Rhodes
C. Venice
D. Florence
30. The First Senator reasons that the Turks are unlikely to be going to Rhodes because:
A. Rhodes is less important than Cyprus to the Turk
B. Rhodes is better fortified
C. Rhodes is too far away
D. All of the above
31. Later, a messenger confirms the Turkish fleet has joined with an after-fleet and is now steering towards:
A. Rhodes
B. Venice
C. Cyprus
D. Florence
32. What is Brabantio’s primary concern when he arrives before the Duke?
A. The Turkish threat
B. His particular grief: his daughter
C. His political standing
D. The state of Venice
33. Brabantio reiterates his belief that Desdemona was corrupted by Othello using:
A. Spells and medicines bought of mountebanks
B. Force and coercion
C. Financial inducements
D. False promises
34. How does Othello describe his own speaking ability?
A. Eloquent and persuasive
B. Rude and little blessed with the soft phrase of peace
C. Honest and direct
D. Bombastic and flowery
35. What is Othello’s defense against Brabantio’s charges of witchcraft?
A. He denies them outright
B. He offers to tell the “round unvarnish’d tale” of his love
C. He calls on Iago as a witness
D. He claims diplomatic immunity
36. Brabantio describes Desdemona as a “maiden never bold” who would fear to look on Othello, making her falling in love “preposterous” without:
A. Her father’s consent
B. Practises of cunning hell
C. Othello’s noble birth
D. Extensive persuasion
37. What does Othello propose to prove his innocence regarding Desdemona’s love?
A. He suggests a trial by combat
B. He asks the Duke to question Iago
C. He requests that Desdemona be sent for to speak for herself
D. He presents letters from Desdemona
38. Whom does Othello send to fetch Desdemona?
A. Cassio
B. Montano
C. Iago
D. A servant
39. How did Othello win Desdemona’s love, according to his own account?
A. With gifts and wealth
B. By telling stories of his adventurous life and suffering
C. Through secret meetings and clandestine letters
D. By charming her father first
40. What was Desdemona’s reaction to Othello’s stories?
A. She was bored
B. She gave him a world of sighs and wished heaven had made her such a man
C. She found them unbelievable
D. She asked him to stop
41. Desdemona describes her duty as “divided.” To whom does she owe this divided duty?
A. To her father and her country
B. To her father and her husband
C. To her family and her friends
D. To her honor and her love
42. How does Brabantio react to Desdemona’s declaration of love for Othello?
A. He accepts it gracefully
B. He disowns her and expresses his bitterness
C. He blames Othello
D. He forgives her
43. What advice does the Duke give Brabantio regarding his grief?
A. Seek revenge
B. Accept what cannot be preserved and find comfort in smiling
C. Consult a wise counselor
D. Go home and rest
44. What is Brabantio’s cynical response to the Duke’s advice about grief?
A. He agrees to try
B. He suggests the Duke’s words are equivocal and cannot mend a bruised heart
C. He says he will follow the advice
D. He demands justice instead
45. The Duke commands Othello to lead the Venetian forces against the Ottomites in:
A. Venice
B. Rhodes
C. Cyprus
D. Florence
46. What “disposition” does Othello crave for his wife during his expedition?
A. To be sent back to Venice
B. Fit accommodation and company suitable for her breeding
C. To remain with her father
D. To live in seclusion
47. Where does Desdemona explicitly state she does not wish to reside?
A. Her father’s house
B. A nunnery
C. The Duke’s palace
D. Alone in Venice
48. Desdemona pleads with the Duke to allow her to do what?
A. Stay in Venice
B. Go with Othello to the war
C. Become a nun
D. Return to her father’s care
49. Othello assures the senators he wants Desdemona to accompany him for what reason?
A. To satisfy his “heat” and “appetite”
B. To be free and bounteous to her mind
C. To have her close for comfort
D. To prove his love
50. Who does Othello assign to convey Desdemona to Cyprus?
A. Cassio
B. Montano
C. His ancient, Iago
D. Lodovico
Brief Overview
The Tragedy of Othello is one of William Shakespeare’s great tragedies. It centers on Othello, a heroic Moorish general in the Venetian army. The play focuses on Othello’s sudden and brutal downfall, which is caused by a jealous, vengeful villain.
The tragedy is set in motion by Iago, Othello’s trusted but resentful ensign. Iago is angry because Othello promoted Cassio over him. He vows to destroy Othello by exploiting his deep personal insecurity.
Iago uses manipulative lies to convince Othello that his young wife, Desdemona, is having an affair with Cassio. Othello is a man who trusts completely but is easily moved to doubt. Iago uses a missing handkerchief as “proof” of the supposed affair.
Othello descends into a jealous rage. His love for Desdemona turns into a passionate desire for revenge. Despite Desdemona’s earnest pleas and innocence, Othello cannot be convinced otherwise.
In the final, tragic scene, Othello smothers Desdemona in their bed. Immediately afterward, he learns the devastating truth from Iago’s wife, Emilia, and realizes he has been completely deceived.
Othello is overwhelmed by guilt and grief. He kills himself, falling upon the bed next to his dead wife. Iago is arrested, and the play ends with ruin and death for almost everyone.
