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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Hamlet mean when he says "I will speak daggers to her, but use none."
(a) He will speak harshly and honestly to Gertrude, but will not hurt her.
(b) He will insult Ophelia when he sees her again.
(c) He will try to kill Gertrude.
(d) He will speak harshly and honestly to Ophelia, but will not hurt her.

2. How does Horatio describe the ghost to Hamlet?
(a) More sad than angry.
(b) Frightening.
(c) More angry than sad.
(d) Exciting.

3. Early in Act 2, Polonius believes he has found the cause of Hamlet's behavior. What is the first thing he does to test his theory?
(a) Send him to a doctor.
(b) Eavesdrop on him while he prays.
(c) Eavesdrop on him while he talks to Horatio.
(d) Arrange for him to meet Ophelia and spy on them together.

4. What is the real reason for the last king's death?
(a) A heart attack.
(b) A knife in the back.
(c) Poison poured in his ear.
(d) Poison poured down his throat.

5. What does the ghost do to Hamlet in Act 1, Scene 4?
(a) Smiles at him.
(b) Beckons him to follow.
(c) Ignores him.
(d) Puts a curse on him.

Short Answer Questions

1. As Claudius speaks about his guilt in Act 3, Scene 3, what does he say about repenting?

2. In Act 1, Scene 3, before Laertes leaves Elsinore, Polonius gives him advice about clothes. What does Polonius say?

3. As Hamlet and the others wait to see the ghost in Act 1, Scene 4, what do they hear in the distance?

4. Why does Hamlet talk to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern about a recorder?

5. What shocking news does the ghost deliver to Hamlet in Act 1, Scene 5?

Short Essay Questions

1. During Hamlet's first conversation with the ghost, the ghost asks for revenge. Who does the ghost want revenge on and why?

2. When Hamlet first sees the ghost, he tries to talk to it. How does the ghost respond?

3. Once alone after the play-within-a-play, Claudius bemoans his crimes and falls to his knees in prayer. But at the end of the scene, what does he say about his praying?

4. Why does Claudius claim he cannot seek forgiveness for his crimes?

5. What does Hamlet ask Horatio to do during the play-within-a-play?

6. When Hamlet follows the ghost, what do his friends decide to do?

7. After the play-within-a-play, where is Hamlet asked to go? Who asks him to go there?

8. In Act 2, Scene 2, Polonius talks to Hamlet. After that conversation, does Polonius think Hamlet is crazy?

9. Before Laertes leaves Elsinore, Polonius gives him a lot of advice. What does Polonius say is the most important piece of advice he can give?

10. Polonius sends Reynaldo to Laertes with very specific instructions. What does Polonius tell Reynaldo to do, and how does Polonius tell him to do it?

(see the answer keys)

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