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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When Hamlet, Polonius, and Ophelia exit, where are they apparently going?
(a) England
(b) Denmark
(c) Norway
(d) France

2. What does Rosencrantz ask Guildenstern about death?
(a) If he thinks death is like falling asleep for a while
(b) If he thinks he will never die
(c) If he has ever thought of himself as dead, in a box with a lid on it
(d) If he is afraid to face death

3. Where do Rosencrantz and Guilderstern finally ascertain that they are?
(a) In a dungeon
(b) On the way home
(c) On a boat
(d) In a stagecoach

4. As characters enter and exit the stage, what is Rosencrantz's objection?
(a) He complains that he never gets to lie down and rest.
(b) He complains that he never has time to talk to anyone.
(c) He complains that he cannot remember their names.
(d) He complains that people are always coming and going.

5. What surprise does Rosencrantz get when he thinks he's playing with the Queen?
(a) It is Hamlet in a dress.
(b) It is Ophelia.
(c) It is the boy, Alfred.
(d) It is a maid.

6. What is strange about where Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are throughout the entire play?
(a) They move quickly from place to place.
(b) They are always in the same place and the action and characters come to them.
(c) They think they are in England.
(d) They are either on the road or in the castle.

7. Who are in the barrels?
(a) Ophelia and Gertrude
(b) Hamlet's bodyguards
(c) The Player, the troupe, and the musicians
(d) Stowaways from Denmark

8. What is Guildenstern's reply when Rosencrantz says they have nothing to do?
(a) Guildenstern reminds him that they are taking Hamlet to England.
(b) Guildenstern says someone will come tell them what to do.
(c) Guildenstern suggests they write letters.
(d) Guildenstern says they can put on a play.

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

10. What is Guildenstern's ominous prediction?
(a) Guildenstern suggests they are in a madhouse.
(b) Guildenstern remarks that they are on trial.
(c) Guildenstern says they will come to no good end.
(d) Guildenstern comments that they are on a path, to which they are condemned.

11. What happens when Rosencrantz kicks one of the large barrels?
(a) The music stops.
(b) The lid pops open.
(c) It tips over.
(d) It yells at him.

12. In their conversation, what does the audience gather about Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?
(a) That they are too educated to understand simple minded people
(b) That they never argue bacause they both see things the same way
(c) That they are the butt of a complicated joke
(d) That it clear they never quite know where they are or what is going on

13. What does Hamlet do with the letter he takes from Guildenstern?
(a) He wads it up and tosses it into the sea.
(b) He burns it with flame from the lantern.
(c) He goes behind the umbrella and reads it.
(d) He tears it into a thousand pieces.

14. What is seen in their failure to trap Hamlet with their belts?
(a) That Guldenstern is wearing two belts
(b) That Rosencrantz wears his pants too large
(c) That they are once again inept or helpless
(d) That they are clever but unlucky

15. What is Rosencrantz's response when Guildenstern asks how his leg feels?
(a) Dead
(b) Asleep
(c) Heavy
(d) Chained down

Short Answer Questions

1. In what kind of death does the Player say people only believe?

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

3. What is Hamlet doing?

4. What mime does Rosencrantz perform during the discussion of death?

5. After speaking with Hamlet, what is the condition of Guildenstern and Rosencrantz?

(see the answer keys)

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