Hamlet: Act I And II Pgs. 3-80
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Who was Hamlet Sr. refering to in the quote, " A serpent stung me; so the whole ear of Denmark."
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Claudius
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Polonius
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Horatio
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Bernardo
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This quiz covers key details and elements from Acts I and II of Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', focusing on character actions, symbolic references, and thematic expressions.
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- 2.
What play does Hamlet want performed?
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The Wanderings of Dionysus
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The Odyssey
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The Deluge
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The Murder of Gonzaga
Correct Answer
A. The Murder of GonzagaExplanation
In the play Hamlet, the protagonist wants a play performed called "The Murder of Gonzaga." This play is also known as "The Mousetrap" and is intended to catch the conscience of Hamlet's uncle, Claudius, who is responsible for his father's murder. By watching the reactions of Claudius during the performance, Hamlet hopes to confirm his guilt and seek revenge. This play within a play is a crucial plot device used by Shakespeare to advance the story and reveal the truth behind the murder.Rate this question:
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- 3.
What does Bernardo and Marcellus see that Horatio tells them does not exist?
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A ghost
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A demon
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A mythical creature
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Death
Correct Answer
A. A ghostExplanation
Bernardo and Marcellus see a ghost, which Horatio tells them does not exist.Rate this question:
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- 4.
What is Hamlet's reply to the question, " What do you read, my lord?"
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The Murder of Gonzago
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The Illiad
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Words, words, words
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Words
Correct Answer
A. Words, words, wordsExplanation
In this question, Hamlet's reply to the question "What do you read, my lord?" is "Words, words, words." This response suggests that Hamlet is feeling cynical and disillusioned, as if he believes that reading and words are ultimately meaningless. It reflects his overall state of mind and his frustration with the world around him.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What is Hamlet's plan to see if the king killed his father?
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Have him watch the play and ask him about it
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Watch his reactions
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Have him watch the play and watch his reaction?
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Confront him
Correct Answer
A. Have him watch the play and watch his reaction?Explanation
Hamlet's plan to see if the king killed his father is to have him watch a play and observe his reaction. By staging a play that mirrors the circumstances of his father's murder, Hamlet hopes to provoke a guilty reaction from the king if he is indeed the culprit. This plan allows Hamlet to gather evidence and confirm his suspicions before taking any further action.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What does Hamlet mean when he stated, " I'll catch the conscience of the king."
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If the king is guilty he will stop the play
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If the king is guilty he will confess
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If the king is guilty he will have a negative reaction to the play
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If the king is guilty he will leave the room
Correct Answer
A. If the king is guilty he will have a negative reaction to the playExplanation
Hamlet's statement, "I'll catch the conscience of the king," suggests that he plans to use a play to gauge the king's guilt. If the king is indeed guilty, he will have a negative reaction to the play, such as feeling uncomfortable, showing signs of distress, or displaying a guilty conscience. This reaction would confirm Hamlet's suspicions and provide evidence of the king's guilt.Rate this question:
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- 7.
What is Claudius' real purpose for having people spy on Hamlet?
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He is trying to exile Hamlet
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He is afraid of how Hamlet is acting
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He wants to help Hamlet
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He is feeling guilty
Correct Answer
A. He is afraid of how Hamlet is actingExplanation
Claudius' real purpose for having people spy on Hamlet is because he is afraid of how Hamlet is acting. This suggests that Claudius is concerned about Hamlet's behavior and is trying to gather information to protect himself and his position as king. By spying on Hamlet, Claudius hopes to uncover any potential threats or plots against him, ensuring his own safety and stability in the kingdom.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Why reason does everyone think Hamlet is crazy?
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He knows of his father's murder
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He is angry of the marriage
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He is in love
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He wants to go back to school
Correct Answer
A. He is in loveExplanation
Hamlet is perceived as crazy because he is in love. This explanation suggests that his behavior is influenced by his emotions and feelings for someone, which may cause him to act erratically or unpredictably. Being in love can often lead to irrational behavior, and this could be the reason why people think Hamlet is crazy.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Why are Rosencrantz and Guilenstern in Denmark?
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School
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A mission from the king
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Their friend Hamlet is there
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To spy on Hamlet
Correct Answer
A. To spy on HamletExplanation
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are in Denmark to spy on Hamlet. This can be inferred from the given options as "A mission from the king" and "To spy on Hamlet" are the only options related to their purpose in Denmark. Since there is no mention of them being on a mission from the king, the correct answer is that they are there to spy on Hamlet.Rate this question:
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- 10.
What country does Fortinbra claim to be taking over?
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Denmark
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France
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Italy
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Poland
Correct Answer
A. PolandExplanation
Fortinbra claims to be taking over Poland.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Who says the following quote: "Something is rotten in the state of Denmark."
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Hamlet
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Polonius
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Horatio
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Marcellus
Correct Answer
A. MarcellusExplanation
Marcellus says the quote "Something is rotten in the state of Denmark." This line is from Shakespeare's play Hamlet. Marcellus says it in Act 1, Scene 4, after seeing the ghost of King Hamlet. The quote is often interpreted as a metaphor for the corruption and deceit that exists within the kingdom of Denmark. Marcellus's statement reflects the underlying tension and unease that permeates throughout the play.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Why does Shakespeare make the last line of a scene a couplet?
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To keep his rhyming pattern
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To indicate a scene change
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To rile up the readers
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To be more dramatic
Correct Answer
A. To indicate a scene changeExplanation
Shakespeare makes the last line of a scene a couplet to indicate a scene change. By using a couplet, which is a pair of rhyming lines, Shakespeare signals to the audience that a new scene is beginning. This helps to maintain clarity and structure within the play, allowing the audience to follow along and understand the progression of the story. Additionally, the use of a couplet adds a sense of finality and closure to the scene, creating a dramatic effect and leaving the audience eager to see what happens next.Rate this question:
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- 13.
What is Horatio most known for?
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Knowledge of Norse mythology
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Knowledge of classic mythology
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Ability and knowledge of foreign language
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Concise and easy to understand speaking terms
Correct Answer
A. Knowledge of classic mythologyExplanation
Horatio is most known for his knowledge of classic mythology. This implies that he has a deep understanding of the myths and legends from ancient Greece and Rome. He is likely well-versed in the stories of gods, heroes, and creatures from these mythologies, and can provide detailed explanations and interpretations of them. This knowledge could be useful in various contexts, such as literature, history, and cultural studies.Rate this question:
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- 14.
What does Polonius mean when he said, " Blood burns, how prodigal the soul lends the tongue"
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People speak certain ways depending on the situation
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When lust is involved people do not htink of what they are saying
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When lust is involved a person will say anything
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Lust is a sin
Correct Answer
A. When lust is involved a person will say anythingExplanation
Polonius means that when someone is consumed by lust, they become reckless with their words and will say anything without considering the consequences. Lust can cloud one's judgment and cause them to disregard the importance of their speech, leading them to speak impulsively and without restraint. This implies that lust can make people lose control over their actions and disregard the impact of their words on others.Rate this question:
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- 15.
What is Anea's tale to Dido a reference to?
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The Illiad
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Dante's Inferno
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Homer
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Priam
Correct Answer
A. Dante's InfernoExplanation
Anea's tale to Dido is a reference to Dante's Inferno. In Dante's Inferno, Anea is a character who tells his story to Dido, the Queen of Carthage, in the underworld. This reference suggests that the tale being told by Anea to Dido is a story of suffering, punishment, and the consequences of one's actions, which aligns with the themes explored in Dante's Inferno.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Who does Hamlet call Polonius for his actions he has taken with his daughter?
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A fishmonger
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Jephthah
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Horatio
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A satyr
Correct Answer
A. JephthahExplanation
Hamlet calls Polonius "Jephthah" to criticize his actions towards his daughter. Jephthah was a biblical figure who made a rash vow to sacrifice the first thing that came out of his house if he won a battle. Unfortunately, his daughter was the first to greet him, and he felt obligated to fulfill his vow, causing great sorrow. By comparing Polonius to Jephthah, Hamlet is implying that Polonius is making thoughtless and harmful decisions, just like Jephthah did.Rate this question:
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- 17.
In Act I, what is the rooster an allusion to?
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The coming of a new day
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Foreshadowing
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When Jesus was born
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A new age of knowledge
Correct Answer
A. When Jesus was bornExplanation
The rooster in Act I is an allusion to when Jesus was born. In Christian tradition, the crowing of a rooster is often associated with the story of Peter denying Jesus three times before the rooster crowed. This event signifies a significant moment in the life of Jesus and is often used as a symbol of redemption and forgiveness. Therefore, the rooster in Act I can be seen as a symbolic reference to the birth of Jesus and the themes of redemption and forgiveness that may be explored in the play.Rate this question:
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- 18.
The quote " Spikey springs put on a roof to kill woodcocks" is a metaphor about:
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Polonius
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Claudius
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Ophelia
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Fortinbra
Correct Answer
A. OpheliaExplanation
The quote "Spikey springs put on a roof to kill woodcocks" is a metaphor that represents Ophelia. The metaphor implies that Ophelia is being used as a trap or a tool to harm or manipulate others, just like the spikey springs are set up to kill woodcocks. This suggests that Ophelia is being taken advantage of or used for someone else's purposes, highlighting her vulnerability and the mistreatment she experiences throughout the play.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Who is Pyrrhus?
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The king of Troy
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A warrior
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A god
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Paris
Correct Answer
A. ParisExplanation
Pyrrhus is not the correct answer for this question. The correct answer is Paris. Pyrrhus was not the king of Troy, a warrior, or a god. Paris, on the other hand, was a prince of Troy and is famously known for his role in the Trojan War. He is best known for his abduction of Helen, which sparked the war between the Greeks and the Trojans.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Mar 24, 2009Quiz Created by
Anjkrav