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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. When Hamlet and his mother finally talk in Gertrude's room, she says, "Hamlet, thou hast thy father much offended." Hamlet responds, "Mother, you have my father much offended." Why is that dialogue important?
(a) Hamlet has decided to act crazy even with his mother.
(b) Gertrude is talking about the dead king, but Hamlet is talking about Claudius.
(c) Getrude is talking about Claudius, but Hamlet is talking about the dead king.
(d) Gertrude is using the dead king to force Hamlet to behave himself.

2. What does Hamlet learn about Rosencrantz and Guildenstern's reasons for visiting Elsinore?
(a) They came to see his father's funeral.
(b) They came to visit him.
(c) They were sent for by Polonius.
(d) They were sent for by the king.

3. While explaining Hamlet's crime to his courtiers, why does Claudius say he has to be gentle with Hamlet?
(a) Gertrude will be upset if they are hard on him.
(b) The people of Denmark love him.
(c) He is crazy, but not a bad person.
(d) He is still a prince.

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

5. Who does the ghost claim to be?
(a) The ghost of kings of Denmark past.
(b) A tortured spirit.
(c) Hamlet's grandfather.
(d) Hamlet's father.

Short Answer Questions

1. After welcoming them to Elsinore, what does Claudius ask Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to do?

2. 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?

3. At the end of Act 1, Scene 1, what does Horatio say he intends to do?

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

5. As Claudius speaks about his guilt in Act 3, Scene 3, what does he say about repenting?

(see the answer key)

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