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

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

3. How does Laertes die?
(a) Hamlet kills him with a poisoned sword.
(b) He is forced to drink poisoned wine and is stabbed with a poisoned sword.
(c) He kills himself.
(d) He drinks poisoned wine meant for Hamlet.

4. What does Ophelia she say about the herb rosemary?
(a) The rosemary died when her father died.
(b) Rosemary stands for remembrance.
(c) Rosemary is her favorite plant.
(d) Rosemary stands for thoughts.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. 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?

2. What happens to Horatio at the end of the play?

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

4. At the start of Act 4, Scene 4, the audience finally sees a character that has been talked about since the start of the play. Who is this character?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. 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?

4. 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?

5. Whose burial does Hamlet witness in Act 5?

6. 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?

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

8. 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?

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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