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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. What time of day is it in Act 1, Scene 4?

2. In Act 1, Scene 3, what does Polonius ask Ophelia to do about Hamlet?

3. At the start of the play, what are Francisco and Bernardo doing?

4. In Act 2, Scene 1, why is Ophelia frightened?

5. Who are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Claudius learn about Norway when the Ambassadors he sent at the beginning of the play return?

2. 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?

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

4. The first time Claudius appears on stage, he gives a speech describing the current state of affairs in Denmark. He identifies and explains three major events. What are those events?

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

6. What is the point or theme of Hamlet's "To be or not to be" speech?

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

8. Hamlet says "O, that this too too solid flesh would melt...." This soliloquy in Act 1, Scene 2, is the first introduction of a theme that Hamlet will talk about repeatedly in the play. What does he talk about doing or wanting to do in this soliloquy?

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

10. Early in the play, Laertes gives Ophelia advice about her love life. What does she say in response?

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

Discuss the use of irony, dramatic and otherwise, throughout the play. How does Shakespeare use irony to make his scenes more effective?

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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