1. Claudius finally gives Rosencrantz and Guildenstern sealed orders for how to handle Hamlet. What do those orders say?
(a) Hamlet should be locked away forever.
(b) Hamlet should be put to death.
(c) Hamlet should be put on trial for murder.
(d) Hamlet should be exiled from Denmark.

2. 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 sad.
(d) He is too angry.

3. What does Hamlet ask Horatio to do during the play's performance?
(a) Watch Gertrude and see if she reacts to the play.
(b) Help Hamlet kill Claudius as the play is performed.
(c) Watch Polonius and see if he reacts to the play.
(d) Watch Claudius and see if he reacts to the play.

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

5. Claudius says his crime "hath the primal eldest curse upon't." What does he mean?
(a) Stealing your brother's wife is an especially bad crime.
(b) Killing your oldest brother is an especially bad crime.
(c) A brother's murder is an especially bad crime.
(d) Killing the king is an especially bad crime.

Short Answer Questions

1. Claudius asks Hamlet a second time about where they can find his victim. Hamlet responds, "In heaven; send hither to see: if your messenger find him not there, seek him i' the other place yourself." What other place is Hamlet suggesting Claudius visit?

2. How does Hamlet manage to avoid his fate in England?

3. What do the gravediggers say about Ophelia's burial?

4. After Laertes has left in Act 1, Scene 3, Polonius talks to Ophelia about her romance. What does Polonius tell her?

5. What does Ophelia tell Laertes about his advice on her love life?

(see the answer key)

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