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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Act 2, Scene 1.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. During his first soliloquy, what does Hamlet say about his mother?
(a) She forgot his father too quickly.
(b) She is grieving too much for his father.
(c) She has too much power over the country.
(d) She is responsible for his father's death.

2. When Hamlet first sees the ghost, what does he call it?
(a) Devil, demon, bane of Heaven.
(b) King, father, royal Dane.
(c) Angel and minister of grace.
(d) Fearsome creature.

3. In Act 1, Scene 2, what two events does Claudius describe?
(a) His brother's wedding and the birth of his nephew.
(b) His brother's death and his own marriage to Gertrude.
(c) His coronation and the war with Norway.
(d) The war that killed the last king and the upcoming marriage of his nephew.

4. When the audience first sees Claudius, he gives a speech about the current situation in Denmark and then speaks to Hamlet about his behavior. What does Claudius say to Hamlet at this early point in the play?
(a) He is too happy.
(b) He is too frightened.
(c) He is too angry.
(d) He is too sad.

5. Polonius gives Reynaldo very specific instructions about how to find the information he wants. What are those instructions?
(a) Lie about him if that helps bring out the truth.
(b) Talk to the local police department.
(c) Ask his son's friends and teachers.
(d) Ask his son directly.

Short Answer Questions

1. Once Hamlet follows the ghost, what do Hamlet's friends decide to do?

2. What is the public explanation of the last king's death?

3. What is Hamlet's mother's name?

4. Early in the play, what country does Claudius send messengers to?

5. Who does the ghost claim to be?

(see the answer key)

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