Hamlet Test Review

Who is Fortinbras?

Prince of Norway

What tragedy has occurred in Denmark at the beginning of the play?

King Hamlet died (He was murdered!)

Who has Queen Gertrude married?

Claudius (Her brother-in-law)

Who is Ophelia?

Daughter of Polonius and the sister of Laertes

Whose ghost appears to Hamlet?

King Hamlet (his father)

What command does the ghost give?

Avenge my most foul murder

What is the setting for this play?

Elsinore Castle, Denmark

Why does Polonius send Reynaldo to France?

He wants Reynaldo to spy on Laertes

What does Polonius think is the cause of Hamlet's actions towards Ophelia?

Polonius thinks Hamlet has gone mad out of love for Ophelia

What purpose does King Claudius have in mind for Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?

Claudius wants them to spy on Hamlet and discover the reason for his madness.

What does Queen Gertrude think the cause of Hamlet's problems may be?

His father's death and "our over hasty marriage"

What does Hamlet want the troupe of traveling actors to do?

He wants them to perform the Murder of Gonzago with 12-16 lines added.

Hamlet meets Ophelia and he suspects that their conversation is being watched. He tells her to...

"Get thee to a nunnery"

Hamlet tells Horatio to watch the King carefully to see if he shows any sings of...

Guilt while watching The Murder of Gonzago play

The actors put on a silent play (dumb show) about?

Murdering a king (similar to the murder of Hamlet's father)

Who does Hamlet slay in the Queen's closet?

Polonius

Who does Hamlet think he is killing in the Queen's closet?

Claudius

Who does Hamlet see in the Queen's closet?

The Ghost of King Hamlet

Why is Claudius wary of getting rid of Hamlet in Denmark?

Hamlet is well-loved by the people in Denmark.

What has happened to Ophelia?

She has gone insane

Name one of the causes of Ophelia's mental condition:

The murder of her father, Polonius, by Hamlet

What has happened to Hamlet on the way to England?

Hamlet discovers that Claudius was planning on him being executed in England. Then, he is captured by pirates, who agree to return him to Denmark.

What plan do Claudius and Laertes hatch to kill Hamlet?

Laertes will challenge Hamlet to a fencing match. He will put poison on his sword that will kill Hamlet even if he merely scratches him. If this fails, Claudius will kill Hamlet with poison in his drink.

Why do Claudius and Laertes want to make Hamlet's death appear to be an accident?

Claudius does not want Gertrude to blame him for Hamlet's death. Also, they do not want the people of Denmark to be upset.

How did Ophelia die?

She climbed onto a branch while picking flowers and singing. The branch broke and she drowned.

Who was Yorick that Hamlet knew him so well?

Yorick was King Hamlet's jester. He played with Hamlet as a young boy.

According to one of the gravediggers, approximately how old is Hamlet?

30

What is the problem being discussed as to whether Ophelia deserves proper burial or not?

The gravediggers discuss the fact that Ophelia would not be granted proper burial if she was not a noblewoman because she likely took her own life.

What happens to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern when they get to England?

They are immediately executed.

Who is Osric?

The foolish courtier who summons Hamlet to his duel with Laertes.

Claudius has prepared poisoned wine for Hamlet. Who unexpectedly drinks the wine?

Queen Gertrude

Whom does Hamlet name as the successor to the throne of Denmark?

Prince Fortinbras

Why is Hamlet a tragedy?

The protagonist does not achieve their goals.