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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When Hamlet and his mother finally talk in Gertrude's room, she says, "Hamlet, thou hast thy father much offended." Hamlet responds, "Mother, you have my father much offended." Why is that dialogue important?
(a) Gertrude is using the dead king to force Hamlet to behave himself.
(b) Getrude is talking about Claudius, but Hamlet is talking about the dead king.
(c) Hamlet has decided to act crazy even with his mother.
(d) Gertrude is talking about the dead king, but Hamlet is talking about Claudius.

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

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

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

5. After talking to Hamlet in her room, what does Gertrude say about Hamlet?
(a) He is not crazy.
(b) He is crazy.
(c) He is determined to get revenge.
(d) He is mad with love for Ophelia.

6. Claudius tells Laertes there are two reasons why he has not ordered Hamlet killed. What are those reasons?
(a) Because the common people love him and Fortinbras might attack if he is killed.
(b) Because Gertrude loves him and the common people love him.
(c) Because Hamlet is heir to the throne and Gertrude loves him.
(d) Because Gertrude loves him and Ophelia might kill herself if he is killed.

7. When Hamlet visits his mother in her room in Act 3, Scene 4, he speaks very harshly to his mother. What makes him stop?
(a) Getrude kills herself.
(b) The ghost appears.
(c) Claudius enters the room.
(d) Ophelia enters the room.

8. 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.

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

10. What happens to Ophelia after her father's death?
(a) She goes crazy.
(b) She wants to kill Hamlet.
(c) She gets sick.
(d) She blames Claudius for her father's death.

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

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

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

14. 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 the dead king's body.
(b) Give the sailors a tip for delivering the letters.
(c) This letter is meant for the king. You should not read it.
(d) Help the sailors get in to see Claudius.

15. What happens between Laertes and Hamlet in the graveyard scene?
(a) They shake hands over Ophelia's grave.
(b) Laertes blames Hamlet for his sister's death.
(c) They both jump into Ophelia's grave and get in a fight.
(d) Laertes tries to kill Hamlet.

Short Answer Questions

1. 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?

2. Who is "poor Yorick"?

3. Claudius asks Hamlet a second time about where they can find his victim. Hamlet responds, "In heaven; send hither to see: if your messenger find him not there, seek him i' the other place yourself." What other place is Hamlet suggesting Claudius visit?

4. What are the Norwegian soldiers fighting over?

5. After he leaves the ship, how will Hamlet make his way back to Elsinore?

(see the answer keys)

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