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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What are Desdemona and Cassio talking about right before Othello leaves?
(a) Finding Cassio a new position now that he has been fired.
(b) A way to get Cassio back into Othello's good graces.
(c) News from Venice.
(d) Having an affair.

2. What is so surprising to Desdemona about Othello's behavior when he is asking about her handkerchief?
(a) He usually only acts this way when he is sick.
(b) He seems worried and distracted.
(c) He did not kiss her goodbye.
(d) He has never acted like this before.

3. What excuse does Othello give for being late to a dinner with the islanders?
(a) He had to complete important business.
(b) He has a headache.
(c) He was waiting for Desdemona to get ready.
(d) He is still getting his home in order after the move.

4. What are Iago and Othello discussing at the beginning of Act 4?
(a) The strategies of war.
(b) The lost handkerchief.
(c) Politics of Cyprus and Venice.
(d) Desdemona's infidelity.

5. What does Iago tell Roderigo to do after Roderigo is done yelling at him?
(a) Spread rumors about Othello.
(b) Sleep with Desdemona.
(c) Write a false letter of love to Desdemona.
(d) Kill Cassio.

6. Who wounds Roderigo towards the end of the play?
(a) Othello.
(b) Cassio.
(c) Iago.
(d) Montano.

7. Why does Othello finally consent to meet with Cassio?
(a) He is in a hurry to leave and wants her to be quiet.
(b) He wants to keep Cassio near so he can make sure he is not having an affair with his wife.
(c) He is reminded of how much Cassio means to him.
(d) He wants Desdemona to leave him alone concerning this subject.

8. Why is Roderigo killed?
(a) He spits upon Montano.
(b) He curses Cassio.
(c) He cries out against Iago.
(d) He tried to sleep with Desdemona.

9. What is Iago asked to deliver in Act 3, Scene 2?
(a) Orders for Cassio.
(b) A package.
(c) Some papers.
(d) A letter.

10. Why does Cassio ask Bianca to leave so soon after meeting him at Othello's home?
(a) He does not want Desdemona to get jealous.
(b) Her presence will not help his case with Othello.
(c) He does not want to be seen in public with her.
(d) He does not want Bianca to see him with Desdemona.

11. What does Othello do after reading his letter from the Duke that Lodovico brings?
(a) Rips the letter to shreds.
(b) Slaps Desdemona.
(c) Sends a policeman to arrest Cassio.
(d) Faints.

12. What is Desdemona's reaction to Cassio's quick exit when Othello enters the room?
(a) She tries to get him to stay.
(b) She blushes and gets embarrassed.
(c) She gets angry with Othello for scaring Cassio.
(d) She is worried Othello may have seen Cassio.

13. What does Othello tell Desdemona is so special about the handkerchief he gave her?
(a) It is from a far away land.
(b) It has magical powers.
(c) It is a symbol of love.
(d) It was his grandmother's.

14. In her conversation with Cassio right before Othello leaves, what does Desdemona say she will make Othello's every moment about?
(a) Cassio and his faithfulness.
(b) Herself and her purity.
(c) The Duke and his lusty advances.
(d) Iago and his honesty.

15. What does Othello do to get Desdemona to use her handkerchief while she is waiting for Cassio?
(a) Pretend to have watery eyes.
(b) Cough a great deal.
(c) Sneeze.
(d) Ask kindly for it.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Othello's response to Desdemona's pleas that he forgive Cassio before he is about to depart?

2. Who stood up for Othello when Desdemona spoke ill of him while Othello was still trying to woo her?

3. What does Othello ask Iago to watch for while Othello is away on his errand?

4. Who comes into the room holding Desdemona's handkerchief while Iago and Cassio are talking in Othello's house?

5. What is Iago's reasoning behind the statement he makes about what happens to every married man?

(see the answer keys)

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