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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. As Claudius speaks about his guilt in Act 3, Scene 3, what does he say about repenting?

2. In Act 1, Scene 1, why does Marcellus bring Horatio to talk to Francisco and Bernardo?

3. In Act 2, Scene 1, what does Ophelia say about Hamlet's clothes?

4. After the play, Claudius meets with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to discuss Hamlet's condition. Are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern more sympathetic to Claudius, Hamlet, or someone else?

5. What specific thing does Hamlet determine Claudius must do before Hamlet can murder him?

Short Essay Questions

1. After his first speech in the play, Claudius shifts from talking about the country to talking specifically about Hamlet. What does he say about Hamlet's grief? What does Gertrude say?

2. Does the Ghost at the beginning of the play talk to the watchers?

3. How does Claudius react to the play-within-a-play?

4. When Hamlet first sees the ghost, he tries to talk to it. How does the ghost respond?

5. In Act 2, Scene 2, what play does Hamlet ask the players to perform and why?

6. What does Hamlet ask Horatio to do during the play-within-a-play?

7. During Hamlet's first conversation with the ghost, the ghost asks for revenge. Who does the ghost want revenge on and why?

8. When Hamlet follows the ghost, what do his friends decide to do?

9. What is the setting (time and place) at the beginning of the day?

10. Who are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, and why do they go to Elsinore?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The question of suicide comes up repeatedly in the play. Hamlet mentions it on multiple occasions and Ophelia's death is potentially a suicide and questionable enough that her funeral rites are "maimed." Discuss the play's treatment of suicide, focusing on the following points:

-- How is suicide presented? Is it a good thing or a bad thing?

-- Are there universal truths about death and suicide, as Hamlet seems to suggest in the "To be or not to be" speech? Or does the play contradict that by adding in Ophelia's suicide?

-- Do you think Ophelia does commit suicide? Why or why not?

-- Do you think Hamlet is essentially committing suicide at the end of the play? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Research the concept of "hamartia" or "tragic flaw." Write an essay in which you explain this concept and apply it to Hamlet or one of the other major characters in this play. Make sure you support your thesis with examples from the text.

Essay Topic 3

In the play we see both soliloquies (someone talking to themselves or the audience) and monologues (a single character talking to other characters). Compare and contrast the soliloquies and monologues of a single character. How is Claudius different in monologue than in soliloquy? How is Hamlet different? What is Shakespeare saying about the character's ability to be honest with him/herself and with others?

(see the answer keys)

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