View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When Laertes returns after his father's death, what does he want?
(a) To visit with his sister.
(b) To talk to Hamlet.
(c) To take over the throne of Denmark.
(d) Revenge on the people responsible for his father's death.

2. What do the gravediggers say about Ophelia's burial?
(a) She should have been getting married, not buried.
(b) Her burial should get more ceremony and more attention than it is receiving.
(c) If she is a suicide, so she should not be buried in the churchyard.
(d) It is a shame that someone so young is dead.

3. In the letter that the sailors deliver in Act 4, Scene 6, it says: "when thou shalt have overlooked this, give these fellows some means to the king: they have letters for him." What is the writer of the letter asking?
(a) This letter is meant for the king. You should not read it.
(b) Help the sailors get in to see the dead king's body.
(c) Give the sailors a tip for delivering the letters.
(d) Help the sailors get in to see Claudius.

4. After reading the letters brought by the sailors in Act 4, Scene 6, what does Horatio say he wants to do?
(a) Wait until Hamlet arrives in Elsinore.
(b) Tell Claudius about Hamlet.
(c) Go get Hamlet.
(d) Tell Gertrude about Hamlet.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. When Laertes returns after his father's death, what do the common people say about him?

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

3. The sailors from the pirate ships deliver letters to Elsinore. Who are the letters from?

4. In Act 4, scene 4, while watching the troops and reflecting on his own behavior, what does Hamlet promise about his future actions?

5. As the funeral procession makes it way through the graveyard, Hamlet notices there are "maimed rites." What does that signify?

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

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

4. 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?

5. In the last scene of Act 3, Polonius is killed. At the end of the scene, what happens to his body?

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. In Act 4, Scene 3, what does Claudius reveal to the audience about his plans for Hamlet in England?

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

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

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 879 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample