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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 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 careful.
(b) They will be bloody.
(c) They will be crafty.
(d) They will be fast.

2. After he leaves the ship, how will Hamlet make his way back to Elsinore?
(a) Horatio must come get him.
(b) Hamlet must escape from the pirates.
(c) Claudius must pay a ransom.
(d) Ophelia must come get him.

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

4. At the end of the play, a messenger arrives from England with news. What is the news?
(a) Rosencrantz and Guildenstern have arrived safely.
(b) Rosencrantz and Guildenstern have been executed.
(c) Rosencrantz and Guildenstern have sent help to Denmark.
(d) Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are on their way back to Denmark.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Where does Claudius want the body of Hamlet's first victim to be taken?

2. How does Claudius die?

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

4. At the end of Act 4, Scene 5, what does Claudius offer to do for Laertes?

5. At the end of the play, who will rule Denmark?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. When Hamlet hears about Fortinbras and his attacks on Poland, what does he say about Fortinbras and about himself?

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

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

6. 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?

7. 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?

8. How does Hamlet avoid going to England?

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

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

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 846 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample