View a FREE sample

This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What happens when Rosencrantz and Guildenstern make a snare for Hamlet out of their belts?
(a) Rosencrantz's pants fall down around his ankles.
(b) Hamlet sees them and runs away.
(c) Guildenstern's belt breaks.
(d) The belts are not long enough.

2. What is the new game Rosencrantz and Guildenstern play with a coin?
(a) Guessing which hand the coin is in
(b) Tossing the coin back and forth between them
(c) Balancing the coin on their noses
(d) Seeing if they can make the coin stand on edge

3. Why does Guildenstern say they do not need to worry about what to say to the King?
(a) They have a letter from Claudius to the English King.
(b) The soldier will speak for them.
(c) They always think of something.
(d) The King will only want to talk to Hamlet.

4. What is it that Guildenstern still does not know?
(a) Which way is east
(b) What the weather is like
(c) Where they are
(d) Why people come in and out

5. What does Rosencrantz answer when Claudius asks where Hamlet is?
(a) That he is under guard.
(b) That he is with the Queen.
(c) That he went to England.
(d) That he is in the library.

6. How does Stoppard dramatize the death of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?
(a) Having them climb back into the barrels.
(b) Having them walk out of the single spotlight on them.
(c) Having them drink poison and fall to the deck.
(d) Having them hang from a mast.

7. After speaking with Hamlet, what is the condition of Guildenstern and Rosencrantz?
(a) They are confused.
(b) They are happy.
(c) They are satisfied.
(d) They think they know the answer.

8. What do they bicker about?
(a) How much the King gave each of them for the journey.
(b) What they are expected to do next.
(c) Who can spin a coin the longest.
(d) Who has the best money bag.

9. Who are the last to die?
(a) Hamlet and Ophelia drink poison and die in each other's arms.
(b) Hamlet and the Player swordfight and kill each other.
(c) The two captured pirates are thrown overboard.
(d) The two remaining tragedians are dressed as Rosencrantz and Guildenstern and are stabbed.

10. Why is the troupe in disfavor from the King?
(a) Their costumes were shabby.
(b) They got drunk at court.
(c) He did not like their play.
(d) They insulted Gertrude.

11. To shouts of "The King rises...Give o'er the play!" and cries for Lights, lights, lights!" how do the lights come up?
(a) As twinkling candles
(b) As moonlight
(c) As late afternoon
(d) As sunrise

12. What mime does Rosencrantz perform during the discussion of death?
(a) Banging on a coffin lid.
(b) Lying down in a coffin.
(c) Marching in a funeral procession.
(d) Placing flowers on a grave.

13. What do Hamlet, the Player, Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern do when pirates attack?
(a) Call for the soldier and the captain
(b) Leap into the barrels
(c) Jump overboard
(d) Beg for mercy

14. What saves Guildenstern from being trapped by Rosencrantz's betrayal?
(a) A scream is hear coming from inside the palace.
(b) The guard enters saying that hamlet got away.
(c) Hamlet is escorted in at that moment and he and his escort follow Claudius off stage.
(d) Hamlet runs across the stage followed by an angry troupe.

15. What decision do Rosencrantz and Guildenstern find impossible to make?
(a) Whether to believe anyone who speaks to them
(b) Whether to go or stay
(c) Leave in opposite directions from each other
(d) Go looking for Hamlet

Short Answer Questions

1. What amusing thing happens with the barrels?

2. What do Rosencrantz and Guildenstern hear as they discuss the letter the next morning?

3. What makes Rosencrantz and Guildenstern laugh at this new coin game?

4. As characters enter and exit the stage, what is Rosencrantz's objection?

5. Back inside the castle, what does Rosencrantz declare?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 726 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample