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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. After witnessing Hamlet's behavior during the play, what does Claudius say about his condition?
(a) Hamlet is not crazy, but he is dangerous.
(b) Hamlet is not crazy.
(c) Hamlet is crazy and dangerous.
(d) Hamlet is crazy, but harmless.

3. Before he returns to school, what does Laertes tell Ophelia about her boyfriend?
(a) Polonius is an abusive boyfriend.
(b) Hamlet just wants her to sleep with him.
(c) As a prince, Hamlet may not get to choose who he marries.
(d) Horatio just wants her to sleep with him.

4. When Claudius reacts to the play, what does Hamlet say in response?
(a) "Get me a fellowship in a cry of players."
(b) "What, frighted with false fire!"
(c) "For if the king like not the comedy, Why then, belike, he likes it not, perdy. "
(d) "It would cost you a groaning to take off my edge. "

5. After hearing about Hamlet's strange behavior, what does Polonius say about his own decisions?
(a) By telling the king that Hamlet is crazy, he may have gotten himself in trouble.
(b) By telling the queen that Hamlet is crazy, he may have upset her.
(c) By telling Ophelia to stay away, he may have made Hamlet worse.
(d) By telling Ophelia to stay away, he may have saved her from worse treatment.

6. In Act 2, Scene 1, how does Ophelia describe Hamlet's behavior?
(a) He stared at her, then started to yell at her.
(b) He stared at her but did not speak.
(c) He would not look at her and would not speak to her.
(d) He yelled at her but would not look at her.

7. What does the ghost do to Hamlet in Act 1, Scene 4?
(a) Ignores him.
(b) Beckons him to follow.
(c) Puts a curse on him.
(d) Smiles at him.

8. After the ambassadors have left, what piece of writing does Polonius share with Claudius and Gertrude?
(a) Hamlet's plan to kill Claudius.
(b) A letter from Hamlet to Fortinbras.
(c) A love letter from Hamlet to Ophelia.
(d) A treaty between Norway and Poland.

9. What does Hamlet tell his friends about his meeting with the ghost?
(a) He tells them nothing.
(b) He says the ghost is a liar.
(c) He repeats the truth about the last king's death.
(d) He pretends that he did not see a ghost.

10. What time of day is it when the play starts?
(a) Late at night.
(b) Morning.
(c) After dinner.
(d) Noon.

11. What does Horatio say the ghost might do to Hamlet?
(a) Bless him.
(b) Drive him crazy.
(c) Kill him.
(d) Curse him.

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

13. In Act 2, Scene 1, why is Ophelia frightened?
(a) She saw a fight between Claudius and Hamlet.
(b) She saw the ghost talking to Hamlet.
(c) She saw Hamlet slap Gertrude in the face.
(d) She had an unpleasant encounter with Hamlet.

14. In Act 2, Scene 1, what does Ophelia say about the look on Hamlet's face?
(a) He looked like he had seen a ghost.
(b) He looked like he came out of Hell.
(c) He looked like he was ready to cry.
(d) He looked like he wanted to kiss her.

15. How many times does the ghost appear in Act 1, Scene 1?
(a) Three times.
(b) Four times.
(c) Twice.
(d) Once.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is Horatio?

2. Who does the ghost in Act 1, Scene 1 look like?

3. After his first meeting with the ghost, what does Hamlet ask his friends to do?

4. In Act 1, Scene 1, why does Marcellus bring Horatio to talk to Francisco and Bernardo?

5. The tone of the conversation between Hamlet and Ophelia in Act 3, Scene 1 changes abruptly when Ophelia does what?

(see the answer keys)

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