Estimated Reading Time: 43 min
Before you begin the quiz, ensure you have a complete comprehension of 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 peace treaty
D. A diplomatic reception
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 is the initial issue discussed by the Duke and Senators?
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
51. Brabantio gives Othello a final warning about Desdemona:
A. “Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see: She has deceived her father, and may thee.”
B. “Trust her not, she is fickle.”
C. “She will bring you sorrow.”
D. “Be wary of her affections.”
52. After Othello and Desdemona leave, what does Roderigo declare he will do?
A. Challenge Othello
B. Drown himself
C. Forget Desdemona
D. Return to Venice
53. Iago tells Roderigo that “our bodies are our gardens, to the which our wills are gardeners.” What does this metaphor mean?
A. We are passive to our natural inclinations
B. We have control over our own natures and actions
C. Our lives are destined from birth
D. Love is a natural force beyond our control
54. How does Iago define “love” to Roderigo?
A. A sacred bond
B. Merely a lust of the blood and a permission of the will
C. A divine gift
D. A complex emotion
55. What specific advice does Iago repeatedly give Roderigo regarding his pursuit of Desdemona?
A. Pray for her love
B. Put money in thy purse
C. Forget her
D. Challenge Othello
56. What does Iago predict about Othello and Desdemona’s love?
A. It will grow stronger
B. It will be a violent commencement, followed by an answerable sequestration
C. It will last forever
D. It will overcome all obstacles
57. What is Iago’s ultimate goal for Roderigo concerning Othello?
A. To cuckold him
B. To become his friend
C. To overthrow him
D. To help him
58. In his final soliloquy of Act I, what is one of Iago’s explicit motivations for hating Othello?
A. He suspects Othello has slept with Emilia, his wife
B. Othello owes him money
C. Othello is too proud
D. Othello is an outsider
59. What is Iago’s plan for Cassio at the end of Act I?
A. To praise him to Othello
B. To abuse Othello’s ear that Cassio is too familiar with Desdemona
C. To make him Othello’s new ancient
D. To warn him about Othello’s jealousy
60. What is the initial news from Cyprus about the Turkish fleet?
A. They are nearing the port
B. They have been segregated and drowned by a desperate tempest
C. They have landed successfully
D. They have retreated to Rhodes
61. Which character arrives first in Cyprus from Venice?
A. Othello
B. Desdemona
C. Michael Cassio
D. Iago
62. What is the status of Othello’s ship as reported by Cassio?
A. It has sunk
B. It is stoutly timber’d with an expert pilot, so hopes stand
C. It is still lost at sea
D. It is delayed indefinitely
63. How does Cassio describe Desdemona to Montano?
A. A woman of ordinary beauty
B. A maid that paragons description and wild fame
C. A dutiful wife
D. A fragile creature
64. Who is the second person to arrive in Cyprus, bringing Desdemona, Emilia, and Roderigo?
A. Othello
B. Iago
C. Lodovico
D. Montano
65. What does Cassio call Desdemona, reflecting her influence over Othello?
A. Our great captain’s captain
B. The general’s beloved
C. The queen of Cyprus
D. A divine beauty
66. What does Cassio do upon greeting Emilia?
A. Shakes her hand
B. Bows to her
C. Kisses her
D. Ignores her
67. How does Iago characterize women in his witty exchange with Desdemona and Emilia?
A. Always virtuous
B. Pictures out of doors, bells in your parlors, wild-cats in your kitchens
C. Meek and obedient
D. Intelligent and kind
68. Desdemona asks Iago to praise her. What is Iago’s initial response to this request?
A. He praises her beauty
B. He says he is “nothing, if not critical”
C. He avoids the question
D. He makes a rude comment
69. What is Iago’s “lamé and impotent conclusion” about the ideal woman (fair and wise)?
A. To suckle fools and chronicle small beer
B. To manage a household
C. To inspire great deeds
D. To be a good companion
70. What does Iago observe Cassio doing that fuels his plot?
A. Speaking intimately with Desdemona
B. Taking Desdemona by the palm and whispering
C. Giving Desdemona a gift
D. Arguing with Desdemona
71. How does Othello greet Desdemona upon his arrival?
A. “My dear wife!”
B. “My fair warrior!”
C. “My sweet love!”
D. “My dearest Desdemona!”
72. Othello states that if he were to die at that moment, he would be most happy because:
A. The war is over
B. His soul hath her content so absolute
C. He has achieved his greatest victory
D. He is reunited with Desdemona
73. What is Iago’s aside regarding Othello and Desdemona’s joyful reunion?
A. “O, you are well tuned now! But I’ll set down the pegs that make this music”
B. “This joy will not last.”
C. “They are truly in love.”
D. “I must destroy this happiness.”
74. Iago instructs Roderigo to provoke Cassio while he is on what duty?
A. Guard duty
B. Ambassadorial duty
C. Patrol duty
D. Administrative duty
75. Iago tells Roderigo that Desdemona will eventually “disrelish and abhor the Moor” due to his lack of:
A. Wealth and power
B. “Loveliness in favour, sympathy in years, manners and beauties”
C. Intelligence and wit
D. Military prowess
76. What does Iago accuse Desdemona of doing with Cassio that he interprets as “lechery”?
A. Kissing him
B. Paddling with the palm of his hand
C. Laughing with him
D. Dancing with him
77. What is Iago’s plan for Roderigo and Cassio tonight?
A. They will become friends
B. Roderigo will anger Cassio, who is rash and choleric, leading to his displanting
C. They will share guard duty
D. Roderigo will apologize to Cassio
78. At the end of Act II, Scene 1, Iago confesses in his soliloquy that he also “loves” Desdemona. What is his primary motivation for this “love”?
A. Genuine affection
B. To diet his revenge, suspecting Othello has “leap’d into my seat” (slept with Emilia)
C. To gain power
D. To make Othello jealous
79. What does the Herald proclaim in Act II, Scene 2?
A. The Duke’s arrival
B. The mere perdition of the Turkish fleet and the celebration of Othello’s nuptials
C. A new law for Cyprus
D. A call to arms
80. What instruction does Othello give Cassio regarding the guard for the night?
A. To be extra vigilant
B. To teach themselves “that honourable stop, Not to outsport discretion”
C. To delegate duties to Iago
D. To enjoy the festivities
81. How does Othello describe Iago to Cassio?
A. “Iago is most honest.”
B. “Iago is a good soldier.”
C. “Iago is a man of few words.”
D. “Iago is cunning.”
82. How does Cassio describe his “brains for drinking”?
A. Excellent
B. He has “very poor and unhappy brains for drinking”
C. Strong and resilient
D. Average
83. What is Iago’s intention in encouraging Cassio and the Cyprus gallants to drink?
A. To celebrate the victory
B. To make Cassio full of quarrel and offence
C. To boost morale
D. To enjoy himself
84. After drinking, Cassio states, “I am not drunk now; I can stand well enough, and speak well enough.” What happens immediately after this statement?
A. He passes out
B. He leaves to set the watch
C. He asks for more wine
D. He starts a fight
85. What does Iago tell Montano is Cassio’s “vice”?
A. He is too proud
B. He has a terrible temper
C. He has an “ingraft infirmity” of drink
D. He is too ambitious
86. What does Iago suggest Cassio’s drinking problem might “shake”?
A. Othello’s trust
B. This island
C. Cassio’s career
D. Montano’s opinion
87. Who does Cassio pursue and strike, accusing him of teaching him his duty?
A. Iago
B. Montano
C. Roderigo
D. A servant
88. Who attempts to restrain Cassio and ends up getting wounded?
A. Roderigo
B. Iago
C. Montano
D. Othello
89. Who rings the bell, alarming the town during the brawl?
A. Cassio
B. Montano
C. Roderigo
D. Iago
90. How does Othello react to the brawl he finds?
A. He immediately calms everyone down and demands to know who began it
B. He joins the fight
C. He dismisses it as a minor incident
D. He blames Iago
91. When asked who began the fight, what is Iago’s initial response?
A. He blames Cassio
B. He claims he does not know, describing how quickly friends turned violent
C. He blames Roderigo
D. He blames the wine
92. What reason does Iago give for pursuing the “crying fellow” (Roderigo) during the brawl?
A. To help Cassio
B. To prevent the town from falling in fright
C. To find out what happened
D. To join the fight
93. What is Othello’s punishment for Cassio’s involvement in the brawl?
A. He is imprisoned
B. He is sent back to Venice
C. “Never more be officer of mine.”
D. He is publicly reprimanded
94. What does Cassio lament losing, saying it is “the immortal part of myself”?
A. His life
B. His honor
C. His reputation
D. His love
95. How does Iago characterize “reputation” to Cassio?
A. A sacred trust
B. An idle and most false imposition
C. Essential for a soldier
D. Easily regained
96. What is Iago’s advice to Cassio on how to regain Othello’s favor?
A. Apologize directly to Othello
B. Importune Desdemona’s help to put him in his place again
C. Challenge Montano
D. Wait for Othello’s anger to cool
97. In his soliloquy, Iago describes Desdemona’s nature as “free” and “fruitful.” What does he mean by this in the context of his plot?
A. She is easily manipulated and generous in her efforts to help
B. She is fertile and capable of bearing children
C. She is independent and strong-willed
D. She is honest and virtuous
98. What is Iago’s ultimate evil plan for Desdemona’s virtue?
A. To expose her as a cheat
B. To turn her virtue into pitch, and out of her own goodness make the net that shall enmesh them all
C. To make her regret her marriage
D. To make her fall in love with Cassio
99. Roderigo complains to Iago that his money is almost spent and he has been:
A. Rewarded
B. Exceedingly well cudgelled
C. Successfully wooing Desdemona
D. Fighting bravely
100. At the end of Act II, Iago reveals his two main tasks for the next phase of his plot. What are they?
A. To make Othello apologize to Cassio and to flee Cyprus
B. His wife must move for Cassio to her mistress; and he will draw the Moor apart to find Cassio soliciting his wife
C. To fight Cassio again and to send Roderigo home
D. To secure Othello’s new position and promote Roderigo
101. Why does Cassio hire musicians?
A. To entertain the general
B. To content their pains and bid “Good morrow, general”
C. To celebrate the victory
D. To serenade Desdemona
102. What favor does Cassio ask of Emilia?
A. To speak with Iago
B. To procure him some access to Desdemona
C. To deliver a letter to Othello
D. To join him for a drink
103. After Cassio requests Emilia’s help, how does he refer to Iago?
A. A cunning villain
B. A Florentine more kind and honest
C. A loyal ancient
D. A good fellow
104. What does Emilia tell Cassio about Othello’s current stance on his reinstatement?
A. Othello is angry and will not reinstate him
B. Othello protests he loves him, but cannot reinstate him yet due to Montano’s fame and affinity
C. Othello has already found a new lieutenant
D. Othello is indifferent to his plight
105. What does Othello entrust Iago with in Act III, Scene 2?
A. A message for Desdemona
B. Letters for the pilot, to be delivered to the senate
C. Plans for the fortifications
D. His personal belongings
106. What does Desdemona promise Cassio she will do to help him?
A. She will talk Othello out of his anger
B. She will use all her abilities in his behalf and constantly pester Othello
C. She will give him money
D. She will arrange a meeting with the Duke
107. What does Cassio fear might happen if he remains absent and his place is supplied?
A. Othello will forget his love and service
B. Desdemona will abandon his suit
C. He will be banished
D. His reputation will be permanently ruined
108. Why does Cassio hastily leave when Othello and Iago approach Desdemona?
A. He is ill at ease and unfit for his own purposes
B. He wants to avoid Othello
C. He is summoned elsewhere
D. Desdemona tells him to
109. What is Iago’s subtle remark when he sees Cassio leaving Desdemona?
A. “He likes not to be seen”
B. “Ha! I like not that.”
C. “He is a good man.”
D. “He seems well.”
110. How does Desdemona describe Cassio to Othello when advocating for him?
A. A man that languishes in your displeasure
B. A disloyal officer
C. A drunkard
D. An ambitious plotter
111. Desdemona reminds Othello that Cassio “came a-wooing with you.” What does she imply by this?
A. Cassio helped Othello gain her affection
B. Cassio was a suitor for her
C. Cassio was merely a witness to their courtship
D. Cassio tried to discourage her
112. Othello promises Desdemona he will deny her nothing, but requests what?
A. That she stop talking about Cassio
B. To leave him but a little to himself
C. That she waits until tomorrow
D. That she explains her persistence
113. What powerful declaration of love does Othello make for Desdemona after she leaves?
A. “My love for her is eternal.”
B. “Perdition catch my soul, But I do love thee! and when I love thee not, Chaos is come again.”
C. “She is my life, my joy.”
D. “I will never doubt her love.”
114. What question does Iago ask Othello that plants the first seed of doubt?
A. “Did Cassio ever speak ill of you?”
B. “Did Michael Cassio, when you woo’d my lady, Know of your love?”
C. “Is Cassio honest?”
D. “Has Cassio been too familiar with Desdemona?”
115. When Othello presses Iago to reveal his thoughts, Iago warns him to “beware, my lord, of jealousy.” How does he describe jealousy?
A. A consuming fire
B. The green-eyed monster which doth mock The meat it feeds on
C. A baseless suspicion
D. A necessary evil
116. What is Othello’s initial reaction to the idea of jealousy?
A. He says he will not be jealous easily, “I’ll see before I doubt; when I doubt, prove”
B. He admits to being prone to it
C. He dismisses it as a weakness
D. He asks Iago for advice on how to avoid it
117. Iago alludes to the “country disposition” of Venetian women, implying they:
A. Are naturally faithful
B. Let heaven see the pranks They dare not show their husbands
C. Are always chaste and honest
D. Are skilled at housewifery
118. Iago uses Desdemona’s deception of her father as “proof” of what?
A. Her cunning nature and potential to deceive Othello
B. Her love for Othello
C. Her rebellious spirit
D. Her strong will
119. Iago suggests that Desdemona’s “will, recoiling to her better judgment, May fall to match you with her country forms.” What does he mean by “country forms”?
A. Venetian men of her own race and social standing
B. Italian traditions
C. Cypriot customs
D. Her family’s expectations
120. After Iago leaves the first time, Othello laments, “Why did I marry? This honest creature doubtless Sees and knows more, much more, than he unfolds.” Whom is he referring to as the “honest creature”?
A. Desdemona
B. Cassio
C. Iago
D. Emilia
121. Iago tells Othello to observe Desdemona’s behavior, particularly if she shows “strong or vehement importunity” in what matter?
A. Her personal happiness
B. Cassio’s entertainment and reinstatement
C. Their marital bliss
D. Financial matters
122. Othello expresses self-doubt, believing Desdemona might have turned against him because he is:
A. Black and not having “soft parts of conversation”
B. A general, too busy for her
C. From a foreign land
D. Too old for her
123. What physical ailment does Othello complain of to Desdemona?
A. A pain upon his forehead
B. A pain in his arm
C. A general weariness
D. A heartache
124. What important item does Desdemona drop and lose?
A. Her wedding ring
B. Her crucifix
C. Her handkerchief
D. A letter
125. Who finds the lost handkerchief?
A. Iago
B. Othello
C. Emilia
D. A servant
126. Why did Emilia take the handkerchief?
A. She wanted it for herself
B. Her “wayward husband hath a hundred times Woo’d me to steal it”
C. She meant to return it to Desdemona
D. She found it by accident
127. What does Iago plan to do with the handkerchief after Emilia gives it to him?
A. Return it to Desdemona
B. Keep it as a trophy
C. Lose it in Cassio’s lodging
D. Show it to Othello immediately
128. How does Iago describe “dangerous conceits” (jealous thoughts)?
A. They are easily dismissed
B. They are like poisons that burn like mines of sulphur once they act upon the blood
C. They are quickly cured
D. They are harmless fantasies
129. What does Othello lament losing, saying “Othello’s occupation’s gone!”?
A. His military command
B. His tranquil mind and content, along with the pride and circumstance of war
C. His reputation
D. Desdemona’s love
130. What does Othello demand from Iago as proof of Desdemona’s infidelity?
A. A confession from Cassio
B. Ocular proof
C. A letter from Desdemona
D. A witness statement
131. When Othello demands proof, Iago feigns outrage, stating that “To be direct and honest is not safe.” What does he imply?
A. That he regrets being honest with Othello
B. That Othello is being unfair
C. That honesty is dangerous in this world
D. That he is afraid of Othello
132. What graphic suggestion does Iago make regarding how Othello might be “satisfied” of Desdemona’s infidelity?
A. To grossly gape on and behold her topp’d
B. To see Cassio’s confession
C. To witness them speaking intimately
D. To find a love token
133. What “living reason” does Iago give Othello for Desdemona’s disloyalty?
A. He saw them together
B. Cassio’s dream where he muttered “Sweet Desdemona, Let us be wary, let us hide our loves” and kissed Iago’s hand
C. A letter from Cassio to Desdemona
D. Emilia’s testimony
134. What object does Iago then claim to have seen Cassio use to wipe his beard?
A. A common towel
B. Desdemona’s handkerchief
C. His own sleeve
D. A piece of cloth from Emilia
135. What vow does Othello make, comparing his “bloody thoughts” to the “Pontic sea”?
A. He will never doubt Desdemona again
B. His revenge will never ebb to humble love
C. He will forgive them both
D. He will leave Cyprus
136. What command does Othello give Iago concerning Cassio?
A. To restore him to his position
B. To kill him within three days
C. To bring him to Othello for questioning
D. To banish him from Cyprus
137. What promotion does Othello give Iago at the end of Act III, Scene 3?
A. Governor of Cyprus
B. General
C. Lieutenant
D. Captain
138. When Desdemona asks the Clown where Lieutenant Cassio lies, what is the Clown’s humorous reply?
A. He does not know
B. He dare not say he lies anywhere, for a soldier lies is stabbing
C. He is sleeping
D. He is in the castle
139. Desdemona states she would rather have lost what than the handkerchief?
A. Her virtue
B. Her purse full of crusadoes
C. Her jewelry
D. Her good name
140. Desdemona believes that Othello cannot be jealous because:
A. He is too noble
B. The sun where he was born drew all such humours from him
C. He trusts her implicitly
D. He has no reason to be
141. Othello reacts strangely to Desdemona’s hand, calling it “moist” and suggesting it argues:
A. Loyalty and devotion
B. Fruitfulness and liberal heart, and a “young and sweating devil”
C. Nervousness
D. Illness
142. Othello tells Desdemona a detailed, magical history of the handkerchief. Who originally gave it to his mother?
A. A Venetian senator
B. An Egyptian charmer
C. His father
D. A sibyl
143. According to Othello, what power did the handkerchief possess?
A. To bring wealth
B. To make his mother subdue his father to her love
C. To grant wishes
D. To protect from harm
144. What material was the handkerchief dyed in, according to Othello?
A. Precious spices
B. Mummy conserved of maidens’ hearts
C. Rare Venetian silks
D. Natural pigments
145. When Othello repeatedly demands the handkerchief, Desdemona tries to divert him by:
A. Explaining she lost it
B. Pleading Cassio’s suit
C. Asking about his health
D. Professing her love
146. After Othello exits in a rage, Emilia observes, “They are all but stomachs, and we all but food.” What does she mean by this?
A. Men are ungrateful and consume women until they are sated
B. Men need women for sustenance
C. Women are meant to serve men
D. Mén and women are naturally different
147. What does Desdemona observe about Othello’s behavior, saying “My lord is not my lord”?
A. He is preoccupied with state matters
B. He is acting strangely and unlike himself
C. He is unusually kind
D. He has become humble
148. How does Emilia define jealousy?
A. A natural human emotion
B. A weakness of the mind
C. A monster Begot upon itself, born on itself
D. A sign of love
149. Who arrives and confronts Cassio about his absence and gives him back the handkerchief?
A. Emilia
B. Desdemona
C. Bianca
D. Roderigo
150. Why does Cassio give Desdemona’s handkerchief to Bianca?
A. As a gift of love
B. To have her take out the work (copy the embroidery)
C. He found it and didn’t know whose it was
D. To discard it
