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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 happens between Laertes and Hamlet in the graveyard scene?
(a) Laertes blames Hamlet for his sister's death.
(b) They shake hands over Ophelia's grave.
(c) They both jump into Ophelia's grave and get in a fight.
(d) Laertes tries to kill Hamlet.

2. The first time the audience sees Hamlet after he has killed someone, he says "Safely stowed." What does he mean?
(a) He has convinced his mother to help him.
(b) He has scared Ophelia away from him forever.
(c) He has hidden the body.
(d) He has established proof that he is crazy.

3. Where does Claudius want the body of Hamlet's first victim to be taken?
(a) To the chapel.
(b) To the graveyard.
(c) To the doctor.
(d) To the police.

4. Who are the Norwegian soldiers attacking?
(a) Sweden.
(b) England.
(c) Denmark.
(d) Poland.

5. Hamlet's mother tries to leave the room during their conversation in Act 3, Scene 4, but Hamlet stops her and says she cannot leave until he does what?
(a) Forces her to face what she has done.
(b) Kills her.
(c) Tells her about the ghost.
(d) Kills Claudius.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. Claudius finally gives Rosencrantz and Guildenstern sealed orders for how to handle Hamlet. What do those orders say?

3. What happens to Ophelia after her father's death?

4. 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?

5. Who is Gertrude truly loyal to?

Short Essay Questions

1. Claudius tells Laertes that Hamlet is responsible for Polonius's death. Claudius says that there are two reasons why he cannot have Hamlet publicly arrested and punished. What are those two reasons?

2. What plan do Laertes and Claudius come up with in Act 4, Scene 7 to kill Hamlet?

3. In Act 4, Scene 5, Claudius is almost overthrown by a violent mob. Who does the mob want to be king in his place?

4. After Polonius's death, what does Gertrude tell Claudius about Hamlet?

5. At the end of the play, we learn of the death of two minor characters. Who are they, and how do we learn of their death?

6. When Claudius hears about Polonius's death, what is his first thought?

7. Hamlet calls Rosencrantz and Guildenstern "a sponge." Why does he say that?

8. As Hamlet travels to the boat for England, what or who does Hamlet find on a plain in Denmark?

9. How does Hamlet suggest that Claudius and his servants might find Polonius's body?

10. Who is Yorick, and why does he come up in Act 5?

(see the answer keys)

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