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

2. After Hamlet's behavior during the play-within-a-play, what do Rosencrantz and Guildenstern agree to do with Hamlet?
(a) Take him to England right away.
(b) Take him to a doctor.
(c) Take him to England next summer.
(d) Kill him.

3. What other "crime" has been committed against the last king?
(a) Laertes seduced his wife.
(b) Polonius stole from the state treasury.
(c) Claudius stole from the state treasury.
(d) Claudius seduced his wife.

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

5. Claudius says his crime "hath the primal eldest curse upon't." What does he mean?
(a) Killing the king is an especially bad crime.
(b) Stealing your brother's wife is an especially bad crime.
(c) A brother's murder is an especially bad crime.
(d) Killing your oldest brother is an especially bad crime.

Short Answer Questions

1. What shocking news does the ghost deliver to Hamlet in Act 1, Scene 5?

2. Hamlet enters about halfway through Act 3, Scene 3. When he comes in, what is Claudius doing?

3. During their first conversation, what does the ghost tell Hamlet about his mother?

4. After the play, Rosencrantz, Guildenstern, and Claudius meet to discuss Hamlet. Polonius joins them. What does he tell Claudius?

5. What message is the Norwegian Captain supposed to deliver to Claudius in Act 4, Scene 4?

(see the answer key)

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