Othello Summary Quiz: Test Your Knowledge of the Play

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Questions and Answers

Who is the character responsible for smothering Desdemona in the text?

Montano

Iago

Othello (correct)

Emilia

What is Desdemona's final claim before she dies?

She is innocent

She has committed suicide (correct)

She is guilty of infidelity

She has been murdered

Who kills Emilia in the text?

Lodovico

Iago (correct)

Othello

Montano

What evidence does Othello initially cite to support his actions?

The missing handkerchief Signup and view all the answers

How does Othello meet his end in the play?

He commits suicide Signup and view all the answers

Who ends up capturing and holding Iago captive at the end of the play?

Lodovico and Montano Signup and view all the answers

Who does Roderigo pay to help him win Desdemona's hand in marriage?

Iago Signup and view all the answers

What reason does Iago give for hating Othello?

He was passed over for the position of lieutenant Signup and view all the answers

What urgent message does Cassio bring to Othello at his lodgings?

The matter of the imminent Turkish invasion of Cyprus Signup and view all the answers

Why does Brabanzio accuse Othello of stealing his daughter?

He believes Othello used witchcraft Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome when Brabanzio accuses Othello before the duke and senate?

The duke and senate sympathize with Othello Signup and view all the answers

Who cries out to Brabantio that his daughter Desdemona has been married to Othello?

Iago Signup and view all the answers

Why does Othello become upset and moody after talking to Iago?

Because Iago mentioned Cassio and Desdemona being involved in an affair. Signup and view all the answers

What does Iago do with the handkerchief that Desdemona gives to Othello?

He plants it in Cassio's room as evidence of an affair. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Othello demand 'ocular proof' of Desdemona's infidelity?

Because he wants concrete evidence before taking action. Signup and view all the answers

How does Iago manipulate Othello into further jealousy regarding the handkerchief?

By planting it in Cassio's room and suggesting it is a love token from Desdemona. Signup and view all the answers

What event leads Othello to strike Desdemona?

The arrival of a letter from Venice appointing Cassio as his replacement. Signup and view all the answers

What does Iago instruct Roderigo to do in order to prevent Desdemona and Othello from leaving?

To kill Cassio. Signup and view all the answers

How does Iago deceive Cassio during their conversation, leading to further complications?

By asking Cassio to help him kill Othello. Signup and view all the answers

What is Emilia's role in Iago's plan regarding the handkerchief?

To steal the handkerchief from Desdemona's room and give it to Iago. Signup and view all the answers

What drives Othello into a further rage, leading him to storm out after talking to Desdemona?

Desdemona's insistence on speaking on Cassio's behalf. Signup and view all the answers

How does Iago manipulate Roderigo into attempting to kill Cassio?

By fabricating a story about Cassio courting Bianca behind Roderigo's back. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason the duke sends Othello to Cyprus?

To help defend against an impending Turkish invasion Signup and view all the answers

What is Iago's initial plan to create trouble for Cassio?

Getting Cassio drunk and then starting a fight between him and Roderigo Signup and view all the answers

Why does Iago target Cassio in his plan to ruin Othello?

To eliminate potential competition for his own advancement Signup and view all the answers

What is the immediate consequence of Cassio stabbing Governor Montano?

Othello strips Cassio of his lieutenant rank Signup and view all the answers

How does Iago advise Roderigo to disrupt Othello's marriage?

By instigating a fight with Cassio at a public event Signup and view all the answers

What is Iago's ultimate goal in his plan involving Cassio and Desdemona?

To make Othello jealous by framing Cassio and Desdemona as lovers Signup and view all the answers

Why does Othello strip Cassio of his rank?

Due to Cassio stabbing Governor Montano Signup and view all the answers

How does Iago deceive Othello about Desdemona and Cassio?

He uses innuendo and manipulation to suggest they are involved romantically Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Othello Summary

Characters and Their Actions

Othello smothers Desdemona to death.
Emilia is killed by Iago.
Iago is captured and held captive by Lodovico at the end of the play.

Othello's Demise

Othello meets his end by stabbing himself in the play.

Iago's Motivations

Iago hates Othello because he promoted Cassio to the position of lieutenant over him.
Iago gives Roderigo false hope of winning Desdemona's hand in marriage and accepts payment from him.

Key Events

Cassio brings an urgent message to Othello at his lodgings about the Turks' arrival.
Brabanzio accuses Othello of stealing his daughter Desdemona using witchcraft.
The outcome of Brabanzio's accusation before the duke and senate is that Othello is allowed to keep Desdemona as his wife.
Iago manipulates Othello into further jealousy regarding the handkerchief by telling him that it was seen in Cassio's possession.

Handkerchief and Jealousy

Othello demands 'ocular proof' of Desdemona's infidelity.
Iago deceitfully plants the handkerchief in Cassio's room to fuel Othello's jealousy.
Desdemona's giving of the handkerchief to Othello leads to Othello's upset and moody behavior.

Iago's Deception

Iago instructs Roderigo to prevent Desdemona and Othello from leaving Cypress.
Iago deceives Cassio during their conversation, leading to further complications.
Emilia plays a role in Iago's plan regarding the handkerchief.
Iago manipulates Roderigo into attempting to kill Cassio.

Cyprus and the Duke

The duke sends Othello to Cyprus to defend against the Turks.
Iago's initial plan is to create trouble for Cassio by getting him drunk and then causing a scene.
Iago targets Cassio because he believes Cassio is having an affair with his wife Emilia.
The immediate consequence of Cassio stabbing Governor Montano is that Cassio is stripped of his rank.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the key events and characters in the play Othello by Shakespeare. From an argument on a street in Venice to the complex relationships between Roderigo, Iago, Desdemona, and Othello, this quiz will challenge your understanding of the plot.

Othello Play Summary Quiz