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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How long has the affair between Geruthe and Fengon taken place when the king finally finds out?

2. How long has King Hamlet been dead when Claudius is made king?

3. How would Gertrude describe Hamlet?

4. What does Claudius want Hamlet to do?

5. How old is Ophelia when she is summoned to Gertrude's chambers?

Short Essay Questions

1. What did Geruthe do with Bathsheba the falcon?

2. Describe why Claudius is angry with Hamlet after King Hamlet's death.

3. Why does Geruthe believe that Ophelia would be a good wife for Hamblet?

4. Why does Gertrude agree to marry Claudius so soon after King Hamlet's death?

5. Describe Ophelia's ideas about Hamlet and his personality.

6. Describe two reasons why Horvendil wants Hamblet to return from his studies at Wittenberg.

7. Describe the plan to kill Horvendil.

8. What was Corambis's involvement with the king's murder?

9. How does Gertrude feel about the King's death?

10. Describe why the first secret meeting with Fengon and Geruthe at the lodge is an awkward event for both characters.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Falconry is a common sport at the time of the story. Gerutha is disturbed by the sport's violence and the blinding of the falcons involved. Write a three part essay to discuss your answers to the following questions.

Part 1. Describe why Gertutha is made uncomfortable with the falcons used for sport.

Part 2. Explain the analogy between the blinded falcon and the affair of Gerutha and Feng.

Part 3. Describe how Gerutha feels after she releases Bathsheba. Do you think it is similar to the remorse of a passed love?

Essay Topic 2

Gertrude and her son, Hamlet, have a relationship that feels distant and void of intimacy. Write a three part essay to discuss the following points.

Part 1. Describe Gertrude's feelings about her son when he was an infant and young boy.

Part 2. Why do you think Gertrude has a hard time loving her son?

Part 3. Do you think Hamlet's disposition toward women is Gertrude's fault? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

There are many strong characters and personalities in the story, including Gertrude and Claudius. Think about these questions as you write an answer for each part in the essay. Has Gertrude's character changed after many years of marriage? Or is she still the bold young woman of sixteen at heart?

Part 1. Describe the personalities of Gertrude and Claudius when they were first married. Compare it to Gertrude's character at the end of the story.

Part 2. Explain how each character is "strong" in their own way.

Part 3. Do you think that Gertrude's personality has weakened with years of marriage? Has she become old and sodden?

(see the answer keys)

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