Q 01/05

What phrase completes the play's full title, The Tragedy of Othello, ...?

A) the General of Cyprus

B) the Jealous Husband

C) the Moor of Venice

D) the Prince of Barbary

Answer · why

C) the Moor of Venice

It is usually ranked with Hamlet, King Lear and Macbeth as one of Shakespeare's four major tragedies.

Q 02/05

In which two places is Othello set?

A) Rome and Sicily

B) Florence and Rhodes

C) Venice and Cyprus

D) Genoa and Crete

Answer · why

C) Venice and Cyprus

Shakespeare added the Turkish threat to Cyprus himself; his source has no war at all.

Q 03/05

What military rank does Iago hold under Othello?

A) Lieutenant

B) Ensign

C) Captain

D) Sergeant

Answer · why

B) Ensign

His grudge begins when Othello promotes the aristocrat Cassio to lieutenant over him.

Q 04/05

Whom does Othello promote to lieutenant, provoking Iago's resentment?

A) Roderigo

B) Cassio

C) Montano

D) Lodovico

Answer · why

B) Cassio

Iago considers the aristocrat a less capable soldier than himself.

Q 05/05

Who is Desdemona's father?

A) Brabantio

B) Montano

C) Gratiano

D) Lodovico

Answer · why

A) Brabantio

He is a Venetian senator who accuses Othello of winning his daughter by witchcraft.