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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. Why does Rosencrantz think he can leave?
(a) He says they've been there long enough.
(b) He says no one will miss them.
(c) He says Hamlet doesn't want them there.
(d) He says they have permission to go.

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

3. What makes Hamlet bow?
(a) Seeing the Player approach
(b) Seeing Claudius approaching
(c) Tying his shoelace
(d) Thinking of Ophelia

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What play does Hamlet ask the Player if his troupe can perform?

2. What is Rosencrantz's reply when Guildenstern asks why they would want to leave?

3. What does Rosencrantz say when Guildenstern wonders if they will ever return?

4. When Rosencrantz and Guildenstern talk about the weather, what do they decide?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Guildenstern's rationale for not catching Hamlet?

2. The stage is dark when Act 3 begins. Describe what the audience hears.

3. How does Rosencrantz sum up their position?

4. What blunder does Rosencrantz make over what he thinks is a woman?

5. What are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern doing at the beginning of Act 2?

6. How does Rosencrantz initiate a new coin game?

7. How are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern trying to figure out where they are?

8. When the lights finally do come up in Act 3, what does the audience see?

9. Tell about the dialogue between Rosencrantz and Guildenstern after Rosencrantz insists they have permission to leave.

10. When Hamlet enters in Act 2, what does he say?

(see the answer keys)

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