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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Act 4, Scene 6.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the main idea of Hamlet's "To be or not to be" speech?
(a) Hamlet is thinking about proposing to Ophelia.
(b) Hamlet is thinking about killing Ophelia.
(c) Hamlet is thinking about killing himself.
(d) Hamlet is thinking about killing Claudius.

2. The first time the audience sees Hamlet after he has killed someone, he says "Safely stowed." What does he mean?
(a) He has convinced his mother to help him.
(b) He has hidden the body.
(c) He has scared Ophelia away from him forever.
(d) He has established proof that he is crazy.

3. When the ghost first speaks to Hamlet, how does it describe its experience?
(a) It walks at night and is frozen in a block of ice during the day.
(b) It walks all the time, hoping someone will set it free.
(c) It walks at night and is tortured by day.
(d) It is tortured and burned in a fire all the time.

4. In Act 1, Scene 5, what does the ghost ask Hamlet to do?
(a) Have a priest pray for its soul.
(b) Get revenge.
(c) Hire an exorcist.
(d) Help the new king.

5. What is the Prince of Norway's name?
(a) Fortinbras.
(b) Claudius.
(c) Marcellus.
(d) Horatio.

Short Answer Questions

1. During their first conversation, what does the ghost tell Hamlet about his mother?

2. Early in Act 2, Polonius believes he has found the cause of Hamlet's behavior. What is the first thing he does to test his theory?

3. During "The Mousetrap," Gertrude says, "The lady protests too much, methinks." What is she talking about?

4. As Hamlet and the others wait to see the ghost in Act 1, Scene 4, what do they hear in the distance?

5. On his way to see his mother in Act 3, Scene 3, Hamlet finds Claudius. What does Hamlet decide not to do in that scene?

(see the answer key)

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