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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. After listening to Ophelia's description of Hamlet, Polonius believes he has found the explanation for Hamlet's behavior. What does he decide to do next?
(a) Get Hamlet to see a doctor.
(b) Tell the king.
(c) Tell the queen.
(d) Talk to Hamlet himself.

2. When Polonius tries to speak with Hamlet, does Polonius really believe Hamlet is crazy?
(a) Yes, but Polonius thinks it is easily cured.
(b) Not entirely -- Polonius sees some reason or logic within the craziness.
(c) No, Polonius does not think Hamlet is crazy at all.
(d) Yes, Polonius says Hamlet is totally insane.

3. What shocking news does the ghost deliver to Hamlet in Act 1, Scene 5?
(a) Hamlet's mother killed Hamlet's father.
(b) Claudius killed Hamlet's father.
(c) Ophelia killed Hamlet's father.
(d) Laertes killed Hamlet's father.

4. When the play shows a king being poisoned, how does the current king, Claudius, react?
(a) He is bored and does not seem to care.
(b) He is angry and asks Hamlet if he is making an accusation.
(c) He is upset and leaves before the play ends.
(d) He is uneasy and makes a joke about it.

5. Some sailors arrive at Elsinore from a pirate ship in Act 4, Scene 6. Who do they deliver a letter to?
(a) Gertrude.
(b) Hamlet.
(c) Laertes.
(d) Horatio.

Short Answer Questions

1. As Claudius speaks about his guilt in Act 3, Scene 3, what does he say about repenting?

2. What is the main idea of Hamlet's "To be or not to be" speech?

3. Hamlet makes an ominous statement about married people: "those that are married already, all but one, shall live." What does that mean and who is he talking about?

4. Claudius tells Laertes there are two reasons why he has not ordered Hamlet killed. What are those reasons?

5. What does Claudius say about Laertes and Ophelia's death?

(see the answer key)

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