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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 fast.
(b) They will be careful.
(c) They will be crafty.
(d) They will be bloody.

2. After the play, Rosencrantz, Guildenstern, and Claudius meet to discuss Hamlet. Polonius joins them. What does he tell Claudius?
(a) Hamlet is going to see his mother and Polonius will eavesdrop on their conversation.
(b) Hamlet is acting crazy and threatening Gertrude.
(c) Hamlet is on his way to come see Claudius.
(d) Hamlet is on his way to come see Ophelia.

3. After his first meeting with the ghost, what does Hamlet ask his friends to do?
(a) Tell the world about the last king's death.
(b) Help him avenge the murder.
(c) Help him break the news to his mother.
(d) Keep his secret.

4. Hamlet says "The time is out of joint: O cursed spite/ That ever I was born to set it right!" What does that mean?
(a) He wishes he did not have to do the things he expects to do.
(b) He cannot believe what the ghost has told him.
(c) He wishes he was not born a prince.
(d) He cannot believe he has seen a ghost.

5. What are the Norwegian soldiers fighting over?
(a) A king's assassination.
(b) A country.
(c) An insult.
(d) A little piece of worthless land.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. 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?

3. 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?

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

5. After Hamlet's behavior during the play-within-a-play, what do Rosencrantz and Guildenstern agree to do with Hamlet?

(see the answer key)

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