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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. 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.

2. How does Hamlet slip away from Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?
(a) When the troupe comes between them, Hamlet runs.
(b) When they bow low, he walks away and they do not see him.
(c) When the lights go out, Hamlet disappears.
(d) When they turn to see Claudius, he slips away quietly.

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

4. 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 late afternoon
(b) As sunrise
(c) As moonlight
(d) As twinkling candles

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What amusing thing happens with the barrels?

2. What are the lines from Shakespeare's Hamlet, Act II, Scene ii that Hamlet says as Act Two opens?

3. What does Claudius tell Guildenstern and Rosencrantz?

4. Where does the Player say they got The Murder of Gonzago?

5. What is the Player's response when Guildenstern asks where he is going?

Short Essay Questions

1. What clue is there as to Hamlet's mental condition?

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

3. When Hamlet does return, what does he say about the body?

4. What leads up to the death scene and how does it play out?

5. What happens when the King orders Guildenstern to go and bring Hamlet?

6. What is the lie Rosencrantz tells Claudius?

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

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

9. Describe the funny bowing scene with Hamlet and Claudius.

10. What game does Rosencrantz initiate on the ship?

(see the answer keys)

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