Shakespeare's Hamlet Play! Trivia Questions Quiz
What do you know about Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet? This quiz will tell the tale. Hamlet is Shakespeare’s most extended play, which contains over 30,000 words. It was set in Denmark as the play depicts revenge against his uncle, Claudius, who murdered Hamlet’s father so that he would obtain the throne. This revelation comes after Hamlet sees the ghost of his father. The quiz and find out if you are an expert on all things Hamlet.
- 1.
Who is Hamlet and what is his plan in order to kill King Claudius?
- A.
He is the main character, who plans to ignore his duty to avenge his father and wait for his time to access the throne
- B.
He is the main character, whose plan is to poison the King
- C.
He is the protagonist, and his plan is to act mad
- D.
He is the protagonist, whose plan is to get someone else to kill him
- E.
Hamlet is the name of the play, not a shakespearean character
Correct Answer
C. He is the protagonist, and his plan is to act madExplanation
Hamlet is the main character in the play. His plan to act mad is a strategy he employs to gather information and evidence against King Claudius, who he suspects of killing his father. By feigning madness, Hamlet hopes to manipulate the situation and ultimately seek revenge for his father's death. This plan allows him to observe the actions and reactions of others, test their loyalty, and create a sense of confusion and uncertainty in the court.Rate this question:
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- 2.
What is the purpose of the gravediggers?
- A.
They are there symbolically
- B.
They are only there to make the scene look more interesting
- C.
They want to show Hamlet the skull he may recognize
- D.
They are there for comic relief
- E.
They are there because they serve importance to the plot
Correct Answer
D. They are there for comic reliefExplanation
The purpose of the gravediggers in Hamlet is to provide comic relief. They engage in humorous banter and make jokes while digging graves, which lightens the overall mood of the play. Their presence adds a contrast to the serious and tragic themes explored in the rest of the story. While they may also serve some importance to the plot, such as revealing information about the deceased characters, their primary function is to provide comedic moments for the audience.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Whose skull did Hamlet recognize in the graveyard?
- A.
King Hamlet's
- B.
Yorik's
- C.
Ophelia's
- D.
Polonius'
- E.
He does not know whose skull it is
Correct Answer
B. Yorik'sExplanation
Hamlet recognized Yorik's skull in the graveyard. This is evident from the famous quote, "Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio, a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy." Hamlet's recognition of Yorik's skull triggers his contemplation on the nature of life and mortality, reflecting his own existential crisis.Rate this question:
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- 4.
How does Hamlet die?
- A.
Laertes slashes him with his poisoned sword in Hamlet's back
- B.
He kills himself with his own sword
- C.
Laertes poisons him with his sword, straight into Hamlet's heart
- D.
He poisons himself because he finally avenges his father and does not care for life anymore
- E.
Hamlet was poisoned from the cup that King Claudius laid out for him
Correct Answer
A. Laertes slashes him with his poisoned sword in Hamlet's back -
- 5.
In order to combat the troops that Fortinbraus is sending to Denmark, King Claudius decides to_______.
- A.
He knows Fortinbraus is mad that his brother killed his father, whereas he did not, therefore he does not have to worry about it
- B.
Wait for their arrival, and have his troops ready for whatever may come
- C.
Send Polonius to Norway in order to spy on what they may have planned next in order to be prepared
- D.
Send Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to the King of Norway with a letter that asks him to stop his nephew from attacking
- E.
Send Cornelius and Voltimand to the King of Norway with a letter that asks him to stop his nephew from attacking
Correct Answer
E. Send Cornelius and Voltimand to the King of Norway with a letter that asks him to stop his nephew from attackingExplanation
King Claudius decides to send Cornelius and Voltimand to the King of Norway with a letter that asks him to stop his nephew from attacking. This decision shows King Claudius's proactive approach to dealing with the threat posed by Fortinbraus. By reaching out to the King of Norway, Claudius aims to prevent the attack from happening in the first place, demonstrating his diplomatic skills and desire to maintain peace. This action also highlights his strategic thinking and willingness to take necessary measures to protect Denmark.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Who tried to commit suicide after Hamlet died?
- A.
Queen Gertrude
- B.
Horatio
- C.
Laertes
- D.
Ophelia
- E.
Osric
Correct Answer
B. HoratioExplanation
Horatio tried to commit suicide after Hamlet died. This can be inferred from the context of the question, which suggests that someone attempted suicide after Hamlet's death. Since Horatio was a close friend of Hamlet and deeply affected by his death, it is plausible that he would consider taking his own life. However, without further information, it is difficult to determine the exact reason or circumstances behind Horatio's suicidal thoughts.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Why didn't Hamlet kill King Claudius during the King's Confessional?
- A.
He thought that when the King was slain, he would go to heaven because he confessed his sins
- B.
He was worried that the King would go to pergatory and get one of his messengers to avenge his death
- C.
He thought that the King would notice him and his plan would be ruined
- D.
He was not sure if he wanted to kill him because it would have been more of a luxury for him to be dead rather than alive
- E.
He just wanted to listen to the confession the King was trying to conjure up for sheer amusement
Correct Answer
A. He thought that when the King was slain, he would go to heaven because he confessed his sinsExplanation
Hamlet believed that if he killed King Claudius during his confession, the King would go to heaven because he had confessed his sins. This implies that Hamlet wanted to ensure that the King would suffer the consequences of his actions in the afterlife rather than receiving forgiveness and redemption. By allowing the King to live, Hamlet may have wanted him to face the earthly consequences of his crimes instead.Rate this question:
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- 8.
What is the theme of this play?
- A.
Romance
- B.
Comedy
- C.
Revenge
- D.
Tragedy
- E.
Both C or D
Correct Answer
E. Both C or DExplanation
The theme of the play could be both revenge and tragedy because it involves elements of both. Revenge is evident in the plot as characters seek vengeance for perceived wrongs, while tragedy is present in the overall tone and outcome of the play, with the story ending in sorrow and loss.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Did Queen Gertrude help with the murder of her husband?
- A.
No, she had nothing to do with her husbands murder.
- B.
Yes, but she was merely an accessory(she helped Claudius plan it but did not do the crime)
- C.
Yes, she helped pour the poison into the cup for Claudius to murder Hamlet
- D.
No, she knew what Claudius had planned, but never believed that he was serious. She thought he was in a jealous state of mind
- E.
Both A and D
Correct Answer
A. No, she had nothing to do with her husbands murder.Explanation
The correct answer is "No, she had nothing to do with her husband's murder." This answer is supported by the statement that Queen Gertrude had nothing to do with her husband's murder. There is no mention of her involvement or knowledge of the murder plot, making it clear that she did not play a role in the crime.Rate this question:
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- 10.
How old is Hamlet?
- A.
25
- B.
21
- C.
43
- D.
30
- E.
39
Correct Answer
D. 30 -
- 11.
The play is the thing wherein I'll ____?
- A.
Watch the players acting
- B.
Observe Claudius in the wing
- C.
Catch the conscience of the King
- D.
Grasp the truth inside the King
- E.
Release the lies condemned to the King
Correct Answer
C. Catch the conscience of the KingExplanation
In this question, the speaker is referring to a play as a means to achieve a specific goal. The phrase "catch the conscience of the King" implies that the speaker intends to use the play as a way to make the King feel guilty or remorseful about something. This suggests that the play will contain elements or events that will expose the truth or reveal the King's wrongdoing, ultimately leading to his conscience being affected.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Who is Hamlet's foil(complete opposite)?
- A.
Fortinbraus
- B.
Osric
- C.
Polonius
- D.
Laertes
- E.
Rosencrantz
Correct Answer
D. LaertesExplanation
Laertes is Hamlet's foil because they have contrasting characteristics and personalities. While Hamlet is contemplative and hesitant, Laertes is impulsive and quick to take action. Laertes is also a man of action, seeking immediate revenge for his father's death, whereas Hamlet is more introspective and struggles with indecision. Their differences highlight each other's traits and provide a contrast in their approaches to similar situations.Rate this question:
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Mar 20, 2023Quiz Edited by
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May 28, 2010Quiz Created by
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