Test on Othello: Act 3, Scene 3 Literary Analysis

Question 1: The Turkish fleet's initial intelligence confirmed their sole objective was to attack Rhodes.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: Initial reports indicated the Turkish preparation was for Rhodes, but this was feared to be a trick. Later information confirmed the Turks had joined another fleet near Rhodes and were then bound for Cyprus, indicating Cyprus was their true objective, not Rhodes alone.

Question 2: In Act Three, Scene 2, what instructions does Othello give to Iago?

A. To deliver letters to the pilot.

B. To pay his respects to Desdemona.

C. To convey his duties to the senate via the pilot.

D. To meet Othello later on the castle's fortifications.

Explanation: In Act Three, Scene 2, Othello tells Iago: 'These letters give, Iago, to the pilot; And by him do my duties to the senate: That done, I will be walking on the works; Repair there to me.' This means Iago is to give letters to the pilot, convey Othello's duties to the senate through the pilot, and later join Othello on the fortifications (the works).

Question 3: Brabantio gives his full-hearted consent to Desdemona's marriage to Othello.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: Brabantio states, 'I here give you that which, with all my heart, I would keep from you, if you didn't already have it,' which is explicitly glossed as 'he is grudgingly giving his consent to the marriage of Othello and Desdemona.' He also expresses bitterness and wishes he had no other child for fear they would also escape him.

Question 4: Based on the provided study materials, which of the following best describes Othello's character and virtues?

A. He is primarily characterized by his physical beauty, which Desdemona finds irresistible.

B. He demonstrates a natural alacrity for hardship and is well-acquainted with the demands of war.

C. He is described as having 'valiant parts' and a brave mind, which Desdemona appreciates more than his appearance.

D. He is depicted as having strong virtues, making him 'fair' in character despite his race.

Explanation: The study materials state Othello declares, 'I do agnize A natural and prompt alacrity I find in hardness, and do undertake These present wars against the Ottomites,' indicating his readiness and aptitude for hardship and war. Desdemona's commentary mentions, 'I saw ... mind . i.e. Othello is brave in mind as well as body, and it was his mind I looked at rather than his face — though she is not criticising his face 254 valiant parts . brave qualities,' highlighting his brave qualities and mind. Furthermore, the Duke's line, 'If virtue no, delighted beauty lack, Your son-in-law is far more fair than black,' with the accompanying note 'If virtue was beautiful, you son-in-law will be fair,' confirms Othello's virtuous character. Option 0 is incorrect as Desdemona explicitly states she 'looked at' his mind rather than his face, and the Duke's comment on 'fair' refers to virtue, not physical beauty.

Question 5: Devesting means dressing for bed.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: Devesting means Undressing for bed.