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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. After the ghost disappears, what does Bernardo say about the ghost's behavior?
(a) It looks like it is crying.
(b) It looks like it wants to scare people.
(c) It looks like it is in pain.
(d) It looks like it wants to speak.

2. After Claudius and Polonius watch Hamlet interact with Ophelia in Act 3, Scene 1, what does Claudius say about Hamlet's behavior?
(a) He does not think Hamlet is crazy because of love for Ophelia.
(b) He is convinced Hamlet is crazy because of love for Ophelia.
(c) He is convinced that Hamlet needs to see a doctor.
(d) He is suspicious that Hamlet is not really crazy.

3. After the play, Rosencrantz, Guildenstern, and Claudius meet to discuss Hamlet. Polonius joins them. What does he tell Claudius?
(a) Hamlet is on his way to come see Ophelia.
(b) Hamlet is going to see his mother and Polonius will eavesdrop on their conversation.
(c) Hamlet is on his way to come see Claudius.
(d) Hamlet is acting crazy and threatening Gertrude.

4. As Hamlet and the others wait to see the ghost in Act 1, Scene 4, what do they hear in the distance?
(a) A cock crowing.
(b) Trumpets being blown and ordinance being fired.
(c) Men shouting and women screaming.
(d) Drunken singing.

5. Early in the play, what country does Claudius send messengers to?
(a) Norway.
(b) England.
(c) France.
(d) Denmark.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the Prince of Norway's name?

2. What do Rosencrantz and Guildenstern tell Claudius that Hamlet is excited about in Act 3, Scene 1?

3. Who are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?

4. In Act 3, Scene 1, after they have had some time to talk to Hamlet, what do Rosencrantz and Guildenstern say about his behavior?

5. After welcoming them to Elsinore, what does Claudius ask Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to do?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Act 3, Claudius becomes convinced that Hamlet is insane. What does he decide to do with Hamlet?

2. What is the setting (time and place) of Act 1, Scene 4?

3. After hearing Ophelia describe Hamlet's behavior in Act 2, Scene 1, what does Polonius decide is the cause of Hamlet's behavior and what does he decide to do about it?

4. After talking to the ghost at the end of Act 1, what does Hamlet decide to do about his father's death?

5. Laertes and Polonius are both concerned about Ophelia's romance. In Act 1, Scene 3, what do they tell her?

6. As they watch for the ghost in Act 1, Scene 4, Hamlet and his companions hear a noise offstage. What noise do they hear and how does Hamlet explain it?

7. After Laertes leaves in Act 1, Scene 3, Polonius and Ophelia have a private talk. What specific instruction or order does Polonius give Ophelia?

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

9. What does Claudius learn about Norway when the Ambassadors he sent at the beginning of the play return?

10. What is the point or theme of Hamlet's "To be or not to be" speech?

(see the answer keys)

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