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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is Othello's response to Desdemona's pleas that he forgive Cassio before he is about to depart?
(a) "I must leave now, perhaps on my return."
(b) "Cassio has had his chance and failed."
(c) "Never while I am alive."
(d) "This is not the time."

2. Why does Iago have to work so hard to convince Othello that Desdemona is unfaithful?
(a) Othello loves her and knows how virtuous she is.
(b) Othello is a much better man than Cassio.
(c) Othello has been with Desdemona almost every instant.
(d) Othello refuses to admit that his own wife would leave him.

3. What excuse does Desdemona give Othello for his odd behavior towards her?
(a) He is filled with jealousy.
(b) He is very angry at Cassio's betrayal.
(c) He is afraid of his upcoming battle now that he has a wife.
(d) He is worried over matters of the state.

4. What does Iago tell Othello to do when Othello decides to punish his wife for her affair?
(a) Publicly disgrace her.
(b) Poison her.
(c) Divorce her and take her dowry.
(d) Strangle her in their bed.

5. What song does Desdemona sing while Emilia helps her get ready for bed?
(a) Lovers.
(b) Willow.
(c) Nightingale.
(d) Birch Forest.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Othello tell Desdemona is so special about the handkerchief he gave her?

2. What is Desdemona's reaction to Othello's accusation of her unfaithfulness?

3. What makes Iago so happy when he hears of Othello's odd behavior towards Desdemona?

4. What does Othello see in the street at night that motivates him to rush to see Desdemona?

5. What does Desdemona know for certain as she readies herself for bed?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Othello give to Iago in Act 3, Scene 2?

2. What does Desdemona lose that she is worried about finding?

3. Who told Iago to kill Cassio?

4. What does Iago tell Desdemona he will do when Desdemona talks about Othello's odd and angry behavior towards her?

5. Why does Iago stab and kill Roderigo?

6. What is Emilia's response to the question Othello asks about Desdemona?

7. What does Iago tell Cassio to do after Iago is done speaking with Othello at the beginning of Act 4?

8. What part did Cassio play in Othello and Desdemona's courtship?

9. Who is the most villainous person in this play?

10. What does Desdemona do while getting ready for bed after dinner?

(see the answer keys)

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