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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 talking about the dead king, but Hamlet is talking about Claudius.
(b) Gertrude is using the dead king to force Hamlet to behave himself.
(c) Getrude is talking about Claudius, but Hamlet is talking about the dead king.
(d) Hamlet has decided to act crazy even with his mother.

2. 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.

3. What do the gravediggers say about Ophelia's burial?
(a) If she is a suicide, so she should not be buried in the churchyard.
(b) It is a shame that someone so young is dead.
(c) She should have been getting married, not buried.
(d) Her burial should get more ceremony and more attention than it is receiving.

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

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

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

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

8. What does Ophelia she say about the herb rosemary?
(a) The rosemary died when her father died.
(b) Rosemary is her favorite plant.
(c) Rosemary stands for thoughts.
(d) Rosemary stands for remembrance.

9. Who does Hamlet kill in his mother's room?
(a) Fortinbras.
(b) Getrude.
(c) Polonius.
(d) Laertes.

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

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. 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.

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

14. 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?
(a) Damage Hamlet's armor so he is vulnerable.
(b) Force Hamlet to drink poison before the fight.
(c) Fix Laertes's sword so it is sharp.
(d) Bribe the referee.

15. Laertes comes up with another idea to make sure his duel with Hamlet will result in Hamlet's death. What is it?
(a) Force Hamlet to drink poison before the fight.
(b) Poison the tip of the sword.
(c) Damage Hamlet's armor so he is vulnerable.
(d) Fix Laertes's sword so it is sharp.

Short Answer Questions

1. Watching the troops attacking, Hamlet decides that he is less of a man than their leader. Why does he say that?

2. When Hamlet leaves his mother's room in Act 3, Scene 4, what does he take with him?

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

4. What does Ophelia say about violets?

5. In Act 4, scene 4, while watching the troops and reflecting on his own behavior, what does Hamlet promise about his future actions?

(see the answer keys)

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