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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Claudius say about Laertes and Ophelia's death?
(a) He is worried Ophelia's death will enrage Laertes.
(b) He knew about Ophelia's death, but did not want to tell Laertes.
(c) He is afraid Laertes may kill himself because of Ophelia's death.
(d) He thinks Laertes is responsible for Ophelia's death.

2. As the funeral procession makes it way through the graveyard, Hamlet notices there are "maimed rites." What does that signify?
(a) That the person died by suicide.
(b) That the person who died was very old.
(c) That the person who died was poor.
(d) That the person died from the plague.

3. After reading the letters brought by the sailors in Act 4, Scene 6, what does Horatio say he wants to do?
(a) Wait until Hamlet arrives in Elsinore.
(b) Go get Hamlet.
(c) Tell Gertrude about Hamlet.
(d) Tell Claudius about Hamlet.

4. The first time the audience sees Hamlet after he has killed someone, he says "Safely stowed." What does he mean?
(a) He has hidden the body.
(b) He has convinced his mother to help him.
(c) He has established proof that he is crazy.
(d) He has scared Ophelia away from him forever.

5. Where does Claudius want the body of Hamlet's first victim to be taken?
(a) To the doctor.
(b) To the police.
(c) To the graveyard.
(d) To the chapel.

6. When Hamlet first sees Laertes in the graveyard scene, what does Hamlet say about him?
(a) He is an arrogant, bossy man.
(b) He is just like his father and not to be trusted.
(c) He is always mean to his sister.
(d) He is a noble youth.

7. Claudius finally gives Rosencrantz and Guildenstern sealed orders for how to handle Hamlet. What do those orders say?
(a) Hamlet should be put to death.
(b) Hamlet should be put on trial for murder.
(c) Hamlet should be locked away forever.
(d) Hamlet should be exiled from Denmark.

8. What message is the Norwegian Captain supposed to deliver to Claudius in Act 4, Scene 4?
(a) The armies of Norway have defeated the Poles.
(b) The armies of Denmark must surrender their weapons.
(c) The armies of Norway want passage through Denmark.
(d) The armies of Norway will attack at dawn.

9. In the letter that the sailors deliver in Act 4, Scene 6, it says: "when thou shalt have overlooked this, give these fellows some means to the king: they have letters for him." What is the writer of the letter asking?
(a) Help the sailors get in to see Claudius.
(b) This letter is meant for the king. You should not read it.
(c) Give the sailors a tip for delivering the letters.
(d) Help the sailors get in to see the dead king's body.

10. Who is "poor Yorick"?
(a) Hamlet's grandfather, now dead.
(b) Hamlet's servant, who is old and tired.
(c) The king's jester, now dead.
(d) The gravedigger who is old and tired.

11. When Laertes returns after his father's death, what do the common people say about him?
(a) They think he should lead the armies against Norway.
(b) They think he is to blame for the last king's death
(c) They want to kill him.
(d) They want to make him king.

12. As Gertrude lays flowers at Ophelia's grave, what does she say?
(a) She is glad Ophelia will be with her father now.
(b) She hoped Ophelia and Hamlet would marry.
(c) She believes Ophelia is now an angel.
(d) She is sorry Ophelia died so young.

13. What happens to Horatio at the end of the play?
(a) He gets poisoned by accident.
(b) He kills himself.
(c) He wants to kill himself, but Hamlet asks him to live.
(d) He wants to kill himself, but Fortinbras stops him.

14. Hamlet's attitude towards Rosencrantz and Guildenstern changes over the course of the play. By Act 4, Scene 2, what does he say about them?
(a) They are dangerous.
(b) They are weak and foolish.
(c) They are good, true friends.
(d) They are spies for Claudius.

15. Hamlet's mother tries to leave the room during their conversation in Act 3, Scene 4, but Hamlet stops her and says she cannot leave until he does what?
(a) Tells her about the ghost.
(b) Kills Claudius.
(c) Forces her to face what she has done.
(d) Kills her.

Short Answer Questions

1. When Claudius hears that Hamlet has killed someone, what does he say?

2. At the start of Act 4, Scene 4, the audience finally sees a character that has been talked about since the start of the play. Who is this character?

3. What happens to Ophelia after her father's death?

4. After witnessing Hamlet kill someone, Gertrude hurries to find Claudius. Who is he talking to when she comes in?

5. What does Ophelia she say about the herb rosemary?

(see the answer keys)

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