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

2. After the murder, Claudius tells Hamlet to leave right away. Where should Hamlet go?
(a) England.
(b) To be locked in his room.
(c) Off to prison.
(d) Back to school.

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

4. Laertes comes up with another idea to make sure his duel with Hamlet will result in Hamlet's death. What is it?
(a) Damage Hamlet's armor so he is vulnerable.
(b) Force Hamlet to drink poison before the fight.
(c) Fix Laertes's sword so it is sharp.
(d) Poison the tip of the sword.

5. When Laertes returns after his father's death, what do the common people say about him?
(a) They think he is to blame for the last king's death
(b) They want to kill him.
(c) They want to make him king.
(d) They think he should lead the armies against Norway.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who are the Norwegian soldiers attacking?

2. How does Hamlet manage to avoid his fate in England?

3. How does Hamlet act after he has killed someone?

4. Some sailors arrive at Elsinore from a pirate ship in Act 4, Scene 6. Who do they deliver a letter to?

5. When Hamlet leaves his mother's room in Act 3, Scene 4, what does he take with him?

Short Essay Questions

1. After Polonius's death, Ophelia comes to see Gertrude. What do we learn about Ophelia in that scene?

2. 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?

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

4. Who is the first person in Elsinore to find out that Hamlet is on his way back to Denmark instead of going to England? How does that person find out?

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

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

7. 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?

8. After Polonius's death, who is sent to find Hamlet?

9. Hamlet finally confronts his mother in Act 3, Scene 4, speaking harshly to her as he tries to force her to realize her own complicity in the crime. What happens to change his tone?

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

(see the answer keys)

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