Quiz questions
Othello
William Shakespeare
Reading comprehension quiz questions for Othello — use them as a reading-check starter, a self-study tool, or a quick assessment. Answers are included below each question.
**Quiz Question — *Othello* by William Shakespeare** Who places Desdemona's handkerchief in Cassio's possession to provoke Othello's jealousy? - A) Roderigo - B) Emilia - C) Iago - D) Bianca **Correct Answer: C) Iago** *Explanation: Iago tricks Emilia into giving him Desdemona's handkerchief — a gift from Othello — and then hides it among Cassio's things. He uses it as "ocular proof" to suggest an affair between Desdemona and Cassio, which intensifies Othello's jealousy and leads to the tragic events of the play.*
ap_lit · aqa · ib_lang_lit · common_core
**Quiz Question: *Othello* by William Shakespeare** Who suggests to Othello that his wife, Desdemona, is cheating on him with Cassio? A) Roderigo B) Emilia C) Iago D) Brabantio **Correct Answer: C) Iago** *Explanation: Iago, who serves as Othello's ensign and acts as the main antagonist in the play, carefully manipulates Othello through hints, false evidence (like the handkerchief), and psychological tricks, ultimately persuading him that Desdemona is unfaithful.*
ap_lit · aqa · ib_lang_lit · common_core
**Quiz Question: *Othello* by William Shakespeare** Who suggests to Othello that Desdemona has been unfaithful? A) Cassio B) Roderigo C) Iago D) Emilia **Correct Answer: C) Iago** *Explanation: Iago, who serves as Othello's ensign and acts as the main antagonist in the play, intentionally deceives Othello by hinting that Desdemona is involved with Cassio. Using a mix of lies and subtle suggestions, along with Desdemona's handkerchief as misleading "evidence," Iago stirs Othello's jealousy and triggers the unfolding tragedy.*
ap_lit · aqa · ib_lang_lit · common_core
These quiz questions are part of Storgy's free teacher toolkit for Othello. For a full study guide with chapter summaries, characters, themes, and key quotes, visit the Othello study guide. To browse quiz questions for other works, return to the Quiz Questions hub.