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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. As they wait for the ghost, Hamlet describes the King's nightly tradition. What does Hamlet think about this tradition?
(a) It should help him be a good leader.
(b) It is something he should stop doing now that he is King.
(c) It is an old tradition that every king should follow.
(d) It makes the Danes look bad to other countries.

2. At the end of Act 2, Scene 2, what does Hamlet reveal about his reasons for wanting the players to perform?
(a) He wants to use the play to test Claudius's conscience.
(b) He thinks the play will distract him.
(c) He thinks the players are very talented.
(d) He thinks the play will remind Gertrude of her first husband.

3. In Act 3, Scene 1, after they have had some time to talk to Hamlet, what do Rosencrantz and Guildenstern say about his behavior?
(a) He acts strangely, but does not seem crazy.
(b) He has not changed at all. He's normal.
(c) He has lost his mind.
(d) He is just unhappy about his father's death.

4. In their first conversation together, what important information does Hamlet reveal to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?
(a) He tells them about the ghost and his suspicions of Claudius.
(b) He feels like he really is going crazy.
(c) He tells them that he wants to marry Ophelia.
(d) He is not crazy -- at least, not all the time.

5. At the end of the first act, what does Hamlet warn his friends he might do?
(a) Kill somebody.
(b) Leave the country forever.
(c) Pretend to be crazy.
(d) Get married.

6. Who is Ophelia?
(a) Daughter of Polonius, sister of Laertes.
(b) Daughter of Gertrude, sister of Hamlet.
(c) Daughter of Claudius, cousin of Hamlet.
(d) Daughter of Hamlet, sister of Horatio.

7. After the play is performed, what does Polonius ask Hamlet to do?
(a) Go see the Queen.
(b) Ask the players to leave Elsinore.
(c) Go see Ophelia.
(d) Go see Claudius.

8. On his way to see his mother in Act 3, Scene 3, Hamlet finds Claudius. What does Hamlet decide not to do in that scene?
(a) Avoid him.
(b) Argue with him.
(c) Trick him into admitting his guilt.
(d) Kill him.

9. In Act 2, Scene 1, how does Ophelia describe Hamlet's behavior?
(a) He yelled at her but would not look at her.
(b) He would not look at her and would not speak to her.
(c) He stared at her, then started to yell at her.
(d) He stared at her but did not speak.

10. After Claudius and Polonius watch Hamlet interact with Ophelia in Act 3, Scene 1, what does Claudius say about Hamlet's behavior?
(a) He is convinced Hamlet is crazy because of love for Ophelia.
(b) He does not think Hamlet is crazy because of love for Ophelia.
(c) He is suspicious that Hamlet is not really crazy.
(d) He is convinced that Hamlet needs to see a doctor.

11. When Claudius reacts to the play, what does Hamlet say in response?
(a) "It would cost you a groaning to take off my edge. "
(b) "For if the king like not the comedy, Why then, belike, he likes it not, perdy. "
(c) "What, frighted with false fire!"
(d) "Get me a fellowship in a cry of players."

12. What does Hamlet mean when he says "I will speak daggers to her, but use none."
(a) He will insult Ophelia when he sees her again.
(b) He will speak harshly and honestly to Ophelia, but will not hurt her.
(c) He will try to kill Gertrude.
(d) He will speak harshly and honestly to Gertrude, but will not hurt her.

13. What was Ophelia doing when she was frightened by Hamlet in Act 2, Scene 1?
(a) Sleeping.
(b) Sewing.
(c) Eating.
(d) Reading.

14. What does Hamlet ask Horatio to do during the play's performance?
(a) Watch Gertrude and see if she reacts to the play.
(b) Help Hamlet kill Claudius as the play is performed.
(c) Watch Polonius and see if he reacts to the play.
(d) Watch Claudius and see if he reacts to the play.

15. Does Hamlet think the ghost can harm him?
(a) Not if he carries garlic and a crucifix.
(b) No.
(c) Yes.
(d) Only if he is afraid of it.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Act 2, Scene 1, what does Ophelia say about the look on Hamlet's face?

2. In Act 3, Scene 1, what does Hamlet tell Ophelia about his feelings for her?

3. Hamlet sees Ophelia just as he finishes the "To be or not to be" speech. How does he act when he first sees her?

4. What is the weather like at the beginning of the play?

5. After watching Hamlet and Ophelia together in Act 3, Scene 1, what does Claudius decide to do with Hamlet?

(see the answer keys)

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