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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 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) Help the sailors get in to see Claudius.
(b) Give the sailors a tip for delivering the letters.
(c) Help the sailors get in to see the dead king's body.
(d) This letter is meant for the king. You should not read it.

2. At the end of Act 4, Scene 2, what does Hamlet agree to do?
(a) See a doctor.
(b) Go to England.
(c) Talk to Gertrude.
(d) Go see the king.

3. 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 convinced his mother to help him.
(d) He has established proof that he is crazy.

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

5. Hamlet's attitude towards Rosencrantz and Guildenstern changes over the course of the play. By Act 4, Scene 2, what does he say about them?
(a) They are dangerous.
(b) They are spies for Claudius.
(c) They are weak and foolish.
(d) They are good, true friends.

Short Answer Questions

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

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

3. What additional method does Claudius suggest so that even if Hamlet wins the duel with Laertes, Hamlet will still die?

4. After witnessing Hamlet kill someone, Gertrude hurries to find Claudius. Who is he talking to when she comes in?

5. What do the gravediggers say about Ophelia's burial?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. 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?

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

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

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

7. How does Hamlet avoid going to England?

8. 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?

9. 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?

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

(see the answer keys)

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