View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Before the play is performed, Hamlet has a long conversation with the First Player. What is he telling the Player?
(a) Hamlet is asking him about the life of an actor.
(b) Hamlet is telling him about the king's death.
(c) Hamlet is complaining about how Ophelia is acting.
(d) Hamlet is coaching him on how to perform.

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

3. When Polonius tries to speak with Hamlet, does Polonius really believe Hamlet is crazy?
(a) Yes, Polonius says Hamlet is totally insane.
(b) No, Polonius does not think Hamlet is crazy at all.
(c) Not entirely -- Polonius sees some reason or logic within the craziness.
(d) Yes, but Polonius thinks it is easily cured.

4. After watching the players give a speech about Hecuba and Priam, what does Hamlet say impresses him the most?
(a) How quickly they can learn new lines in a script.
(b) How confident they are in their performances.
(c) How intelligent they are.
(d) How much emotion they are able to summon up for a performance.

5. What does Polonius tell Laertes about borrowing money?
(a) Borrowing money is all right, but do not lend money.
(b) Do not borrow or lend money.
(c) Do not borrow money, but lend money if you can.
(d) Borrowing and lending money is a good thing to do.

Short Answer Questions

1. When Claudius finds out Hamlet has killed someone, what is he most worried about?

2. In Act 2, Scene 2, what happens when Polonius first tries to speak to Hamlet?

3. After his first meeting with the ghost, what does Hamlet ask his friends to do?

4. Why does Hamlet talk to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern about a recorder?

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

(see the answer key)

This section contains 456 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample