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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. When Claudius finds out Hamlet has killed someone, what is he most worried about?
(a) Whether the murder will affect his power and ability to rule.
(b) Whether a doctor can help Hamlet get better.
(c) Whether Hamlet should stand trial.
(d) Whether Hamlet will try to kill.

2. While explaining Hamlet's crime to his courtiers, why does Claudius say he has to be gentle with Hamlet?
(a) He is still a prince.
(b) The people of Denmark love him.
(c) He is crazy, but not a bad person.
(d) Gertrude will be upset if they are hard on him.

3. What happens to Ophelia after her father's death?
(a) She blames Claudius for her father's death.
(b) She goes crazy.
(c) She gets sick.
(d) She wants to kill Hamlet.

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

5. In Act 4, scene 4, while watching the troops and reflecting on his own behavior, what does Hamlet promise about his future actions?
(a) They will be crafty.
(b) They will be bloody.
(c) They will be fast.
(d) They will be careful.

Short Answer Questions

1. Claudius tells Laertes there are two reasons why he has not ordered Hamlet killed. What are those reasons?

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

3. How does Gertrude die?

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

5. Watching the troops attacking, Hamlet decides that he is less of a man than their leader. Why does he say that?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

2. Whose burial does Hamlet witness in Act 5?

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

4. List the major characters who die during the last scene of the play.

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

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

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

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

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

10. 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?

(see the answer keys)

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