Othello by William Shakespeare Test/Quiz

Act I takes place in: Venice
Whom has Othello recently appointed as his lieutenant? Cassio
Who is Desdemona’s father? Brabantio
Where is Cassio from? Florence
The fleet which may soon attack Cyprus is from where? Turkey
Name the couple who have recently eloped. Othello and Desdemona
Which character says “I am not what I am” Iago
Which character hopes to woo Desdemona away from Othello? Roderigo
Complete the quotation. “The Moor is of a free and __________ nature That thinks men ________ that but seem to be so.” open, honest
Who were the Moors? African people of mixed Berber and Arab descent
Of what does Brabantio accuse Othello? Bewitching his daughter
“An old black ramIs tupping your white ewe.”This quotation is an example of which theme? Racism
“Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to seeShe has deceived her father, and may thee.” Brabantio
Choose the best word to describe Iago’s feelings towards Othello. Hatred
Complete the quotation.”She loved me for the __________ I had passed And I loved her that she did pity them.” dangers
Why does Iago think he should have been promoted to the position of lieutenant, instead of Cassio? He has more practical military experience.
Other than being passed over for promotion, what reason does Iago give for his hatred of Othello? People say that Othello has had an affair with Iago’s wife.
What adjective does Iago use to describe Roderigo? ? gullible or rich
Complete the quotation.”If virtue no delighted beauty lack.Your son-in-law is far more fair than ___________” (Duke of Venice) black
Which character says “In following him, I follow but myself?” Iago
What happens to the Turkish fleet? A storm destroys it.
Who is Montano? The Governor of Cyprus
Name Iago’s wife Emilia
“Come on, come on! You are pictures out of doors,Bells in your parlours, wildcats in your kitchens,Saints in your injuries, devils being offended,Players in you housewifery, and housewives in your beds.”What does this quotation tell us about Iago? He has cynical view of women.
In Act 2 Scene 1, what lie does Iago tell Roderigo about Desdemona? She is in love with Cassio.
In Act 2, Scene 1, what does Iago tell Roderigo to do? His instructions are designed to ensure that Cassio loses his position as Othello’s lieutenant. Provoke Cassio to a fight.
What common reason does Iago give for hating both Othello and Cassio? Both are more successful in their careers than Iago.
What does Iago mean when at the end of Act 2, Scene 1, he says “Tis here, but yet confused?” The plan is here in my mind, but it’s not yet quite clear.
What is a herald? An official employed to make proclamations / announcements
When a nigh of festivities is announced, what two reasons for celebrating are given? The destruction of the Turkish fleet; the marriage of Othello and Desdemona
Which two words are used to describe Othello in Act 2, Scene 2? noble; valiant
Cassio confesses to Iago that he has a weakness for what? alcohol
Why is Iago keen to get Cassio drunk? He hopes Cassio will get involved in a fight and lose his job.
Whom does Cassio wound in the drunken brawl? Montano
How does Othello punish Cassio for his action during the brawl? He dismisses Cassio as his lieutenant.
Who says “Reputation, reputation, reputation! O, I have lost my reputation! I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial?” Cassio
After Cassio is dismissed, what advice does Iago give him? Ask Desdemona to intercede with Othello for him.
Complete the quotation.”I’ll pour this ___________ into his ear.” pestilence
Who says this, and whom is he talking about?”So I will turn her virtue into pitchAnd out of her goodness make the netThat shall enmesh them all.” Iago; Desdemona
Which of the following words is used often in Act 2 to describe Iago? honest
Who sets up a meeting between Cassio and Desdemona? Emilia
What does Desdemona urge Othello to do? reinstate Cassio
Iago plays on Othello’s insecurities. Which of the is NOT an area of insecurity for Othello his military experience
“Men should be what they ___________.” Complete the ironic quotation from Iago. seem
Iago warns Othello to beware of something which he describes as “the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on”. What is he talking about? jealousy
Iago reminds Othello that Desdemona also deceived her father. How did she do that? by keeping her romance with Othello secret
When Desdemona loses her handkerchief, who finds it? Emilia
According to Iago, who is Desdemona’s lover? Cassio
Othello is very upset by Iago’s suspicions. What does he want Iago to get before he (Othello) acts? proof of the affair
What is slander? making a false negative spoken statement about someone
What pattern is embroidered on Desdemona’s handkerchief? strawberries
Whom does Othello ask Iago to kill? Cassio
Who replaces Cassio as Othello’s lieutenant? Roderigo
What is so special about the handkerchief, according to Othello? It has magical powers.
How does Emilia explain Othello’s unkind and strange behavior towards Desdemona? She thinks he has developed a fanciful (over imaginative and unrealistic) notion about Desdemona which is making him jealous.
Who says “Alas the day! I never gave him cause”? Desdemona
What is Emilia talking about when she says “Tis a monster Begot upon itself, born on itself?” jealousy
Name Cassio’s mistress. Bianca
How did Cassio come into possession of the handkerchief? Iago gave it to him.
Why does Cassio give the handkerchief to Bianca? He wants her to make a copy of it.
What does the word credulous mean? willing to believe or trust too readily, without proper evidence
When Othello eavesdrops on the conversation of Iago and Cassio, whom does he think they are talking about? Desdemona
When Othello eavesdrops on the conversation of Iago and Cassio, who are they really talking about? Bianca