View a FREE sample

This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the public explanation of the last king's death?
(a) He was stung by a serpent.
(b) He was stabbed.
(c) He died in his sleep.
(d) He had a heart attack.

2. At the end of the first act, what does Hamlet warn his friends he might do?
(a) Kill somebody.
(b) Leave the country forever.
(c) Pretend to be crazy.
(d) Get married.

3. 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 should help him be a good leader.
(c) It is an old tradition that every king should follow.
(d) It makes the Danes look bad to other countries.

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

5. During his first soliloquy, what does Hamlet say about his mother?
(a) She forgot his father too quickly.
(b) She is responsible for his father's death.
(c) She is grieving too much for his father.
(d) She has too much power over the country.

6. Hamlet sees Ophelia just as he finishes the "To be or not to be" speech. How does he act when he first sees her?
(a) He yells at her.
(b) He runs away.
(c) He stares at her but says nothing.
(d) He greets her pleasantly.

7. How many times does the ghost appear in Act 1, Scene 1?
(a) Twice.
(b) Once.
(c) Four times.
(d) Three times.

8. Which two characters is Laertes related to?
(a) Gertrude and Ophelia.
(b) Polonius and Ophelia.
(c) Claudius and Hamlet.
(d) Gertrude and Hamlet.

9. 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?
(a) He is too frightened.
(b) He is too angry.
(c) He is too sad.
(d) He is too happy.

10. Once left alone on stage in Act 3, Scene 3, what does Cladius express guilt about?
(a) Having Hamlet killed.
(b) Killing his brother.
(c) Marrying Gertrude.
(d) Hamlet going crazy.

11. After hearing Ophelia's description of Hamlet, what reason does Polonius suggest for Hamlet's strange behavior?
(a) Hamlet has always been a strange boy and his father's death has driven him insane.
(b) Hamlet is taking his father's death too hard.
(c) Hamlet is mad with love for Ophelia.
(d) Hamlet has studied too hard at school.

12. After welcoming them to Elsinore, what does Claudius ask Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to do?
(a) Cheer Hamlet up and find out what is wrong with him.
(b) Watch Hamlet and make sure he does not hurt anyone.
(c) Convince Fortinbras not to attack Denmark.
(d) Convince Hamlet to go back to school.

13. What does Horatio say the ghost might do to Hamlet?
(a) Curse him.
(b) Bless him.
(c) Kill him.
(d) Drive him crazy.

14. In Act 1, Scene 2, what two events does Claudius describe?
(a) His brother's wedding and the birth of his nephew.
(b) The war that killed the last king and the upcoming marriage of his nephew.
(c) His coronation and the war with Norway.
(d) His brother's death and his own marriage to Gertrude.

15. What does Polonius say is the most important thing for Laertes to remember as he leaves Elsinore?
(a) Do not borrow money.
(b) Do not talk too much.
(c) Do well in school.
(d) Be true to yourself.

Short Answer Questions

1. During "The Mousetrap," Gertrude says, "The lady protests too much, methinks." What is she talking about?

2. Before the play is performed, Hamlet has a long conversation with the First Player. What is he telling the Player?

3. Before he has seen the ghost, how does Hamlet describe his parents' marriage?

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

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 keys)

This section contains 821 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample