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?
(a) Claudius killed Hamlet's father by poisoning him with a heavy meal.
(b) Claudius looks like Hamlet's father.
(c) Claudius killed Hamlet's father when he was sleeping after a heavy meal.
(d) Claudius killed Hamlet's father before Hamlet's father could repent his sins.

2. As they wait for the ghost, Hamlet describes the King's nightly tradition. What does Hamlet think about this tradition?
(a) It is an old tradition that every king should follow.
(b) It should help him be a good leader.
(c) It is something he should stop doing now that he is King.
(d) It makes the Danes look bad to other countries.

3. What is Hamlet's response when Claudius demands to know where the body of Hamlet's murdered victim is?
(a) The victim is eating supper in Heaven.
(b) The victim is eating supper in Hell.
(c) The victim is not really dead and is eating supper in the castle.
(d) The worms are eating the victim for supper.

4. Some sailors arrive at Elsinore from a pirate ship in Act 4, Scene 6. Who do they deliver a letter to?
(a) Hamlet.
(b) Gertrude.
(c) Laertes.
(d) Horatio.

5. What is the Prince of Norway's name?
(a) Marcellus.
(b) Fortinbras.
(c) Claudius.
(d) Horatio.

Short Answer Questions

1. After listening to Ophelia's description of Hamlet, Polonius believes he has found the explanation for Hamlet's behavior. What does he decide to do next?

2. After discussing Hamlet with Polonius in Act 1, how has Ophelia interacted with Hamlet?

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

4. At the end of Act 4, Scene 5, what does Claudius offer to do for Laertes?

5. After Hamlet yells at Ophelia to go to a nunnery, what does she say about him?

(see the answer key)

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