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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. As Laertes and Claudius discuss how to kill Hamlet, what news does Gertrude bring?
(a) Ophelia has died by stabbing herself.
(b) Ophelia has died by taking poison.
(c) Ophelia has died by hanging herself.
(d) Ophelia has died by drowning.

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

3. How does Gertrude die?
(a) Laertes kills her with a poisoned sword.
(b) She drinks poisoned wine meant for Hamlet.
(c) Hamlet kills her with a poisoned sword.
(d) She kills herself by drowning.

4. At the end of the play, a messenger arrives from England with news. What is the news?
(a) Rosencrantz and Guildenstern have been executed.
(b) Rosencrantz and Guildenstern have sent help to Denmark.
(c) Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are on their way back to Denmark.
(d) Rosencrantz and Guildenstern have arrived safely.

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

6. At the end of Act 4, Scene 5, what does Claudius offer to do for Laertes?
(a) Take care of Ophelia.
(b) Show Laertes where his father is buried.
(c) Tell Laertes the truth about his father's death.
(d) Help Laertes kill Hamlet.

7. While explaining Hamlet's crime to his courtiers, why does Claudius say he has to be gentle with Hamlet?
(a) He is crazy, but not a bad person.
(b) Gertrude will be upset if they are hard on him.
(c) The people of Denmark love him.
(d) He is still a prince.

8. Some sailors arrive at Elsinore from a pirate ship in Act 4, Scene 6. Who do they deliver a letter to?
(a) Laertes.
(b) Gertrude.
(c) Horatio.
(d) Hamlet.

9. After he leaves the ship, how will Hamlet make his way back to Elsinore?
(a) Horatio must come get him.
(b) Ophelia must come get him.
(c) Claudius must pay a ransom.
(d) Hamlet must escape from the pirates.

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

11. At the end of the play, who will rule Denmark?
(a) Horatio.
(b) Fortinbras.
(c) Hamlet.
(d) Laertes.

12. What does Polonius tell Gertrude to do in Act 3, Scene 4 regarding Hamlet?
(a) Be kind to Hamlet and invite him to confide in her.
(b) Convince Hamlet to talk about Ophelia.
(c) Make sure Hamlet knows that Polonius is listening to their conversation.
(d) Be stern with Hamlet about his behavior.

13. When Laertes returns after his father's death, what does he want?
(a) To visit with his sister.
(b) Revenge on the people responsible for his father's death.
(c) To take over the throne of Denmark.
(d) To talk to Hamlet.

14. How does Claudius die?
(a) He is forced to drink poisoned wine and is stabbed with a poisoned sword.
(b) He kills himself.
(c) He drinks poisoned wine meant for Hamlet.
(d) Laertes kills him with a poisoned sword.

15. 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 Norway want passage through Denmark.
(c) The armies of Denmark must surrender their weapons.
(d) The armies of Norway will attack at dawn.

Short Answer Questions

1. Claudius suggests a duel between Laertes and Hamlet, but that type of duel usually is not deadly. What does Claudius suggest they do to injure Hamlet?

2. As the funeral procession makes it way through the graveyard, Hamlet notices there are "maimed rites." What does that signify?

3. 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?

4. When Laertes returns after his father's death, what do the common people say about him?

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

(see the answer keys)

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