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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Act 4, Scene 4.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In Act 4, scene 4, while watching the troops and reflecting on his own behavior, what does Hamlet promise about his future actions?
(a) They will be crafty.
(b) They will be bloody.
(c) They will be fast.
(d) They will be careful.

2. What is the public explanation of the last king's death?
(a) He had a heart attack.
(b) He was stung by a serpent.
(c) He died in his sleep.
(d) He was stabbed.

3. Watching the troops attacking, Hamlet decides that he is less of a man than their leader. Why does he say that?
(a) The leader is a common man, while Hamlet is a prince.
(b) Hamlet was never in the army, unlike the troops' leader.
(c) Hamlet has only killed one man and the leader has killed many.
(d) He has a better reason to fight than the leader, but he does not fight.

4. After witnessing Hamlet's behavior during the play, what does Claudius say about his condition?
(a) Hamlet is crazy, but harmless.
(b) Hamlet is not crazy.
(c) Hamlet is not crazy, but he is dangerous.
(d) Hamlet is crazy and dangerous.

5. After the play, Claudius meets with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to discuss Hamlet's condition. Are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern more sympathetic to Claudius, Hamlet, or someone else?
(a) Ophelia.
(b) Gertrude.
(c) Hamlet.
(d) Claudius.

Short Answer Questions

1. Hamlet says of Claudius: "He took my father grossly, full of bread; With all his crimes broad blown, as flush as May." What does Hamlet mean by that?

2. What specific thing does Hamlet determine Claudius must do before Hamlet can murder him?

3. Claudius says his crime "hath the primal eldest curse upon't." What does he mean?

4. Once left alone on stage in Act 3, Scene 3, what does Cladius express guilt about?

5. At the start of Act 4, Scene 4, the audience finally sees a character that has been talked about since the start of the play. Who is this character?

(see the answer key)

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