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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Hamlet finally tells Claudius how to find the body of his first victim: "But indeed, if you find him not within this month, you shall nose him as you go up the stairs into the lobby." How is Hamlet saying that they might find the body?
(a) Wait a month till the ground thaws and the grave will be revealed.
(b) The body is waiting on the lobby stairs.
(c) Climb the stairs and you will see the body in the lobby.
(d) Wait a month and you will smell where it is.

2. 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 established proof that he is crazy.
(c) He has convinced his mother to help him.
(d) He has hidden the body.

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

4. What additional method does Claudius suggest so that even if Hamlet wins the duel with Laertes, Hamlet will still die?
(a) Arrest Hamlet for Polonius's death.
(b) Give Hamlet a poisoned drink.
(c) Hire an assassin to kill Hamlet.
(d) Challenge Hamlet to a duel himself.

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

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

7. 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?
(a) Fortinbras.
(b) Captain.
(c) Bernardo.
(d) Laertes.

8. When Hamlet leaves his mother's room in Act 3, Scene 4, what does he take with him?
(a) A portrait of his dead father.
(b) The dead body of Polonius.
(c) A portrait of his mother.
(d) The dead body of Claudius.

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

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

11. 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 from the plague.
(b) That the person who died was poor.
(c) That the person who died was very old.
(d) That the person died by suicide.

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

13. What are the Norwegian soldiers fighting over?
(a) An insult.
(b) A country.
(c) A little piece of worthless land.
(d) A king's assassination.

14. What does Ophelia say about violets?
(a) Violets stand for thoughts.
(b) The violets died when her father died.
(c) Violets stand for remembrance.
(d) Violets are her favorite flower.

15. When Claudius hears that Hamlet has killed someone, what does he say?
(a) Hamlet needs to be executed.
(b) Hamlet needs to be sent to jail.
(c) Hamlet might have killed him.
(d) Hamlet is a brave man.

Short Answer Questions

1. What happens to Horatio at the end of the play?

2. When he is asked where his first victim's body is, what does Hamlet do?

3. At the end of the play, a messenger arrives from England with news. What is the news?

4. What does Polonius tell Gertrude to do in Act 3, Scene 4 regarding Hamlet?

5. After the murder, Claudius tells Hamlet to leave right away. Where should Hamlet go?

(see the answer keys)

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