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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In Act 1, Scene 3, before Laertes leaves Elsinore, Polonius gives him advice about clothes. What does Polonius say?
(a) Buy the fanciest clothes you can find.
(b) Buy the least expensive clothes you can find.
(c) Nobody pays attention to what you wear.
(d) Get costly, but not showy or ostentatious clothes.

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

3. Where does Act 1, Scene 4 take place?
(a) In Hamlet's bedroom.
(b) In the throne room.
(c) On the platform.
(d) On a ship.

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

5. Before he has seen the ghost, how does Hamlet describe his parents' marriage?
(a) His mother hated his father.
(b) His mother was devoted to his father.
(c) His parents barely spoke to each other.
(d) His father hated his mother.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the Prince of Norway's name?

2. What time of day is it when the play starts?

3. What does the ghost do to Hamlet in Act 1, Scene 4?

4. When the audience first sees Claudius, he gives a speech about the current situation in Denmark and then speaks to Hamlet about his behavior. What does Claudius say to Hamlet at this early point in the play?

5. Hamlet says "The time is out of joint: O cursed spite/ That ever I was born to set it right!" What does that mean?

(see the answer key)

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