View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. 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.

2. Where is Elsinore in Act 1, Scene 1?
(a) Italy.
(b) Denmark.
(c) England.
(d) France.

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

4. Before the play is performed, Hamlet has a long conversation with the First Player. What is he telling the Player?
(a) Hamlet is coaching him on how to perform.
(b) Hamlet is complaining about how Ophelia is acting.
(c) Hamlet is telling him about the king's death.
(d) Hamlet is asking him about the life of an actor.

5. After Hamlet yells at Ophelia to go to a nunnery, what does she say about him?
(a) She is angry because she does not think he is crazy, and he has hurt her feelings.
(b) She is relieved that she did not marry him.
(c) She is angry at him because she thinks he is crazy.
(d) She is sorry for him and for herself, because she thinks he is crazy.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Act 1, Scene 3, before Laertes leaves Elsinore, Polonius gives him advice about clothes. What does Polonius say?

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

3. In Act 2, Scene 2, what happens when Polonius first tries to speak to Hamlet?

4. After witnessing Hamlet's behavior during the play, what does Claudius say about his condition?

5. What does Polonius say is the most important thing for Laertes to remember as he leaves Elsinore?

Short Essay Questions

1. After hearing Ophelia describe Hamlet's behavior in Act 2, Scene 1, what does Polonius decide is the cause of Hamlet's behavior and what does he decide to do about it?

2. In Act 2, Scene 1, how does Ophelia describe Hamlet's behavior?

3. In Act 2, Scene 2, what play does Hamlet ask the players to perform and why?

4. What is the setting (time and place) of Act 1, Scene 4?

5. After the play-within-a-play, Claudius meets with Hamlet's old friends, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Who are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern loyal to? How can you tell?

6. Who does the Ghost in Act 1, Scene 1 look like?

7. What does Claudius learn about Norway when the Ambassadors he sent at the beginning of the play return?

8. After talking to the ghost at the end of Act 1, what does Hamlet decide to do about his father's death?

9. In Act 1, Scene 2, how does Hamlet act toward Claudius and Gertrude? When he is left alone, what does he say about his feelings toward them?

10. What does Hamlet ask Horatio to do during the play-within-a-play?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 879 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample