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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Act 4, Scene 3.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the main idea of Hamlet's "To be or not to be" speech?
(a) Hamlet is thinking about proposing to Ophelia.
(b) Hamlet is thinking about killing himself.
(c) Hamlet is thinking about killing Claudius.
(d) Hamlet is thinking about killing Ophelia.

2. Hamlet's attitude towards Rosencrantz and Guildenstern changes over the course of the play. By Act 4, Scene 2, what does he say about them?
(a) They are good, true friends.
(b) They are spies for Claudius.
(c) They are dangerous.
(d) They are weak and foolish.

3. Does Hamlet think the ghost can harm him?
(a) Only if he is afraid of it.
(b) Not if he carries garlic and a crucifix.
(c) No.
(d) Yes.

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

5. At the end of Act 2, Scene 2, what does Hamlet reveal about his reasons for wanting the players to perform?
(a) He thinks the play will distract him.
(b) He thinks the play will remind Gertrude of her first husband.
(c) He thinks the players are very talented.
(d) He wants to use the play to test Claudius's conscience.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Hamlet react when he sees the ghost for the first time?

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

3. What is the public explanation of the last king's death?

4. After telling Ophelia to get to a nunnery, what does Hamlet say about marriage?

5. How does Hamlet act after he has killed someone?

(see the answer key)

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