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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. In Act 1, Scene 3, what does Polonius ask Ophelia to do about Hamlet?
(a) Flirt with him.
(b) Spy on him.
(c) Stay away from him.
(d) Make friends with him.

2. Polonius asks Claudius to arrange for Hamlet to go somewhere after the play's performance. Where is Hamlet supposed to go?
(a) To see Ophelia.
(b) To see Claudius.
(c) To see a doctor.
(d) To see his mother.

3. What is the Prince of Norway's name?
(a) Claudius.
(b) Fortinbras.
(c) Horatio.
(d) Marcellus.

4. When Polonius tries to speak with Hamlet, does Polonius really believe Hamlet is crazy?
(a) Yes, but Polonius thinks it is easily cured.
(b) Not entirely -- Polonius sees some reason or logic within the craziness.
(c) Yes, Polonius says Hamlet is totally insane.
(d) No, Polonius does not think Hamlet is crazy at all.

5. 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.

Short Answer Questions

1. Before the play is performed, Hamlet has a long conversation with the First Player. What is he telling the Player?

2. In Act 2, Scene 2, what happens when Polonius first tries to speak to Hamlet?

3. What time of day is it in Act 1, Scene 4?

4. What is the weather like at the beginning of the play?

5. During "The Mousetrap," Gertrude says, "The lady protests too much, methinks." What is she talking about?

Short Essay Questions

1. After his first speech in the play, Claudius shifts from talking about the country to talking specifically about Hamlet. What does he say about Hamlet's grief? What does Gertrude say?

2. Hamlet says "O, that this too too solid flesh would melt...." This soliloquy in Act 1, Scene 2, is the first introduction of a theme that Hamlet will talk about repeatedly in the play. What does he talk about doing or wanting to do in this soliloquy?

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

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

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

6. In Act 1, Scene 2, how does Hamlet act toward Claudius and Gertrude? When he is left alone, what does he say about his feelings toward them?

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

8. After the play-within-a-play, Claudius meets with Hamlet's old friends, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Who are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern loyal to? How can you tell?

9. Who does the Ghost in Act 1, Scene 1 look like?

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

(see the answer keys)

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