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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does the ghost do to Hamlet in Act 1, Scene 4?
(a) Ignores him.
(b) Beckons him to follow.
(c) Puts a curse on him.
(d) Smiles at him.

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

3. Hamlet is delighted that the players, a group of traveling actors, are at Elsinore. He welcomes them and asks them for two favors. What are those two favors?
(a) To perform both "The Murder of Gonzago" and "Priam and Hecuba" for the court.
(b) To perform "The Murder of Gonzago" and to let Hamlet play a role in it.
(c) To perform "The Murder of Gonzago" and to add in a speech with new lines.
(d) Not to perform "The Murder of Gonzago" and to perform Hamlet's favorite play instead.

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

5. Early in the play, what country does Claudius send messengers to?
(a) Denmark.
(b) France.
(c) England.
(d) Norway.

6. What does Claudius say in Act 3, Scene 3 about his own thoughts and words?
(a) His words lie, but his thoughts tell the truth.
(b) His words and thoughts are not enough to convince heaven to forgive him.
(c) He does not speak his thoughts.
(d) He says the right words, but they do not reach heaven because his thoughts are on earth.

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

8. What shocking news does the ghost deliver to Hamlet in Act 1, Scene 5?
(a) Claudius killed Hamlet's father.
(b) Ophelia killed Hamlet's father.
(c) Hamlet's mother killed Hamlet's father.
(d) Laertes killed Hamlet's father.

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

10. In Act 1, Scene 3, where is Laertes going?
(a) Back to college.
(b) To go to a new school.
(c) Off to war.
(d) To live in another country.

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

12. 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 greets her pleasantly.
(b) He stares at her but says nothing.
(c) He yells at her.
(d) He runs away.

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

14. After watching Hamlet and Ophelia together in Act 3, Scene 1, what does Claudius decide to do with Hamlet?
(a) Send him back to school.
(b) Send him to England.
(c) Send him to a hospital.
(d) Have a private talk with him.

15. In Act 1, Scene 3, what does Polonius ask Ophelia to do about Hamlet?
(a) Stay away from him.
(b) Spy on him.
(c) Make friends with him.
(d) Flirt with him.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the main idea of Hamlet's "To be or not to be" speech?

2. Once Hamlet follows the ghost, what do Hamlet's friends decide to do?

3. Who are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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