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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Act 4, Scene 1.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. 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 cannot believe he has seen a ghost.
(d) He wishes he was not born a prince.

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

3. In Act 1, Scene 3, where is Laertes going?
(a) Back to college.
(b) To go to a new school.
(c) Off to war.
(d) To live in another country.

4. What shocking news does the ghost deliver to Hamlet in Act 1, Scene 5?
(a) Claudius killed Hamlet's father.
(b) Ophelia killed Hamlet's father.
(c) Laertes killed Hamlet's father.
(d) Hamlet's mother killed Hamlet's father.

5. 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 is not crazy -- at least, not all the time.
(c) He feels like he really is going crazy.
(d) He tells them that he wants to marry Ophelia.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Hamlet tell his friends about his meeting with the ghost?

2. Early in Act 2, Polonius believes he has found the cause of Hamlet's behavior. What is the first thing he does to test his theory?

3. Polonius gives Laertes plenty of advice before Laertes leaves Elsinore. What does Polonius tell Laertes about talking and listening to people?

4. Who does the ghost claim to be?

5. After talking to Hamlet in her room, what does Gertrude say about Hamlet?

(see the answer key)

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