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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. After telling Ophelia to get to a nunnery, what does Hamlet say about marriage?
(a) Marriage is the best thing Ophelia can do with her life.
(b) Marriage is an old-fashioned institution.
(c) Marriage is better for women than for men.
(d) We shall have no more marriage.

2. 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 players are very talented.
(b) He thinks the play will remind Gertrude of her first husband.
(c) He thinks the play will distract him.
(d) He wants to use the play to test Claudius's conscience.

3. When Claudius reacts to the play, what does Hamlet say in response?
(a) "What, frighted with false fire!"
(b) "For if the king like not the comedy, Why then, belike, he likes it not, perdy. "
(c) "It would cost you a groaning to take off my edge. "
(d) "Get me a fellowship in a cry of players."

4. Who is Gertrude truly loyal to?
(a) No one.
(b) Hamlet.
(c) Herself.
(d) Claudius.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. When Laertes returns after his father's death, what does he want?

2. In Act 2, Scene 1, how does Ophelia describe Hamlet's behavior?

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

4. After witnessing Hamlet's behavior during the play, what does Claudius say about his condition?

5. Ophelia comes to watch the play. Before the play begins, how does Hamlet act towards her?

(see the answer key)

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