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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Brabantio think Othello has the power of bewitchment?
(a) This is widely rumored about Othello.
(b) He is a moor.
(c) Iago told him this.
(d) He has seen Othello do it to others.

2. Who seems to be the only man of stature and honor in the room while Brabantio is raving in the inn?
(a) Iago.
(b) Cassio.
(c) Othello.
(d) Brabantio.

3. Where does Othello go after his discussion with Brabantio at the inn?
(a) His own house.
(b) The Duke's house.
(c) Brabantio's house.
(d) He catches a ship heading to Cyprus.

4. How does Desdemona feel about Iago's description of the perfect woman?
(a) It is more thoughtful than she would have expected.
(b) It is irrational and sexist.
(c) It is kind and sweet.
(d) It describes herself to a tee.

5. What is announced in Act 2, Scene 2?
(a) A trial.
(b) A mass feast.
(c) An invasion.
(d) A wedding.

6. How did Desdemona and Othello spend their time when they were falling in love before their marriage?
(a) Reading.
(b) Walking.
(c) Talking.
(d) Kissing.

7. To what genre is this play categorized?
(a) A comedy.
(b) A drama.
(c) A tragedy.
(d) A romance.

8. Who is one of the messengers who summons Othello while he is talking to Iago of his love for Desdemona?
(a) General Stringham.
(b) Cassio.
(c) Brabantio.
(d) Roderigo.

9. What does Brabantio find that convinces him his daughter really has escaped to get married?
(a) A note.
(b) A receipt for a carriage.
(c) Her empty bed.
(d) A marriage license.

10. What does Cassio ask of Emilia the morning after his brawl in the street?
(a) To plead with Othello to forgive him.
(b) To deliver a letter to both Othello and Desdemona.
(c) To find some money for him to sail back to Venice.
(d) To secure him some time to talk alone with Desdemona.

11. During their discussion while on watch together, what does Iago urge Cassio to do?
(a) Drink some wine.
(b) Gamble his salary.
(c) Pursue Desdemona.
(d) Report Roderigo for behavior unbecoming of an officer.

12. How does Cassio describe Desdemona to the Duke of Cyprus?
(a) She is a gold digger looking for wealth and power.
(b) She is too wonderful for poets to describe.
(c) She is simple and sweet.
(d) She is crafty and conniving as evidenced by her elopement.

13. Who is the main figure in Act 3, Scene 1?
(a) Desdemona.
(b) Cassio.
(c) Othello.
(d) Iago.

14. What does the Duke do after hearing both Brabantio and Othello's sides of the story?
(a) Allow Othello to go free.
(b) Arrest Brabantio for his outrageous accusation.
(c) Test Desdemona for signs of having been bewitched.
(d) Hear Desdemona's version of the story.

15. How does Othello act while Brabantio is accusing him of such horrible things at the inn?
(a) He is scared and tries to run.
(b) He is not at all surprised and acts as if he were expecting this.
(c) He is angry and offended.
(d) He is patient and understanding.

Short Answer Questions

1. While speaking with Iago in Act 1, Scene 2, what does Othello say he would never give up for Desdemona?

2. When Othello is questioned at the inn, what reason does he give for marrying Desdemona?

3. What do Cassio and Iago discuss while they are on watch together their first night in Cyprus?

4. What does Iago tell Roderigo to do during the first night they are in Cyprus?

5. Who does Iago choose to be his main pawn in his plan to get revenge against Othello?

(see the answer keys)

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