View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. At the start of the play, what are Francisco and Bernardo doing?
(a) They are getting ready to go to sleep.
(b) They are on watch.
(c) They are fighting in a battle.
(d) They are eating a meal together.

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

3. Why does Hamlet talk to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern about a recorder?
(a) Hamlet says he wants to learn to play the recorder.
(b) Hamlet wants them to make the musicians stop playing the recorder.
(c) Hamlet asks them to teach him how to play the recorder.
(d) Hamlet says they want to play him like a recorder and get information out of him.

4. What is the weather like at the beginning of the play?
(a) Pouring rain.
(b) Very cold.
(c) Snowing.
(d) Hot.

5. After watching the players give a speech about Hecuba and Priam, what does Hamlet say impresses him the most?
(a) How confident they are in their performances.
(b) How intelligent they are.
(c) How much emotion they are able to summon up for a performance.
(d) How quickly they can learn new lines in a script.

6. What is the Prince of Norway's name?
(a) Claudius.
(b) Marcellus.
(c) Horatio.
(d) Fortinbras.

7. In Act 2, Scene 2, what happens when Polonius first tries to speak to Hamlet?
(a) Hamlet is glad to see him.
(b) Hamlet ignores him.
(c) Hamlet argues with him.
(d) Hamlet does not seem to recognize him.

8. After listening to Ophelia's description of Hamlet, Polonius believes he has found the explanation for Hamlet's behavior. What does he decide to do next?
(a) Tell the king.
(b) Get Hamlet to see a doctor.
(c) Tell the queen.
(d) Talk to Hamlet himself.

9. What does Ophelia tell Laertes about his advice on her love life?
(a) Make sure you follow your own advice.
(b) Stop telling me what to do.
(c) Your advice is very wise.
(d) You give bad advice.

10. Polonius gives Laertes plenty of advice before Laertes leaves Elsinore. What does Polonius tell Laertes about talking and listening to people?
(a) Let women do the talking; men should listen.
(b) Talk to people, but do not listen to them.
(c) Practice talking to strangers to build up your confidence.
(d) Listen to people, but do not talk very much.

11. What does Hamlet mean when he says "I will speak daggers to her, but use none."
(a) He will speak harshly and honestly to Ophelia, but will not hurt her.
(b) He will try to kill Gertrude.
(c) He will insult Ophelia when he sees her again.
(d) He will speak harshly and honestly to Gertrude, but will not hurt her.

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

13. In Act 2, Scene 1, why is Ophelia frightened?
(a) She saw a fight between Claudius and Hamlet.
(b) She had an unpleasant encounter with Hamlet.
(c) She saw Hamlet slap Gertrude in the face.
(d) She saw the ghost talking to Hamlet.

14. After the ghost disappears, what does Bernardo say about the ghost's behavior?
(a) It looks like it wants to scare people.
(b) It looks like it wants to speak.
(c) It looks like it is crying.
(d) It looks like it is in pain.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. As they wait for the ghost, Hamlet describes the King's nightly tradition. What does Hamlet think about this tradition?

2. How does Horatio describe the ghost to Hamlet?

3. 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?

4. After Hamlet's behavior during the play-within-a-play, what do Rosencrantz and Guildenstern agree to do with Hamlet?

5. After watching Hamlet and Ophelia together in Act 3, Scene 1, what does Claudius decide to do with Hamlet?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 796 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample