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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. Claudius suggests a duel between Laertes and Hamlet, but that type of duel usually is not deadly. What does Claudius suggest they do to injure Hamlet?
(a) Force Hamlet to drink poison before the fight.
(b) Fix Laertes's sword so it is sharp.
(c) Damage Hamlet's armor so he is vulnerable.
(d) Bribe the referee.

3. At the start of Act 4, Scene 4, the audience finally sees a character that has been talked about since the start of the play. Who is this character?
(a) Laertes.
(b) Captain.
(c) Bernardo.
(d) Fortinbras.

4. When Claudius finds out Hamlet has killed someone, what is he most worried about?
(a) Whether a doctor can help Hamlet get better.
(b) Whether the murder will affect his power and ability to rule.
(c) Whether Hamlet should stand trial.
(d) Whether Hamlet will try to kill.

5. When he is asked where his first victim's body is, what does Hamlet do?
(a) He answers with a riddle.
(b) He laughs.
(c) He threatens to kill more people.
(d) He refuses to speak.

Short Answer Questions

1. Hamlet's mother tries to leave the room during their conversation in Act 3, Scene 4, but Hamlet stops her and says she cannot leave until he does what?

2. What additional method does Claudius suggest so that even if Hamlet wins the duel with Laertes, Hamlet will still die?

3. Where does Claudius want the body of Hamlet's first victim to be taken?

4. How does Gertrude die?

5. Who are the Norwegian soldiers attacking?

Short Essay Questions

1. At the end of the play, we learn of the death of two minor characters. Who are they, and how do we learn of their death?

2. In Act 4, Scene 3, what does Claudius reveal to the audience about his plans for Hamlet in England?

3. When Claudius hears about Polonius's death, what is his first thought?

4. How does Hamlet avoid going to England?

5. Hamlet calls Rosencrantz and Guildenstern "a sponge." Why does he say that?

6. In Act 4, Scene 5, Claudius is almost overthrown by a violent mob. Who does the mob want to be king in his place?

7. How does Hamlet suggest that Claudius and his servants might find Polonius's body?

8. As Hamlet travels to the boat for England, what or who does Hamlet find on a plain in Denmark?

9. What plan do Laertes and Claudius come up with in Act 4, Scene 7 to kill Hamlet?

10. When Hamlet hears about Fortinbras and his attacks on Poland, what does he say about Fortinbras and about himself?

(see the answer keys)

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