Hamlet Quiz: Act IV

1. Which two characters plot to kill Hamlet?

Gertrude and Claudius

Claudius and Laertes

Horatio and Laertes

Claudius and Fortinbras

Claudius and Laertes plot to kill Hamlet. Claudius, the brother of Hamlet's father and current king, wants to eliminate Hamlet to secure his position as king. He manipulates Laertes, the son of Polonius, to seek revenge for his father's death and conspires with him to kill Hamlet. This plan involves staging a fencing match where Laertes will use a poisoned sword and Claudius will offer Hamlet a poisoned drink. Their collaboration demonstrates their shared goal of eliminating Hamlet and maintaining their power.

Explanation

Claudius and Laertes plot to kill Hamlet. Claudius, the brother of Hamlet's father and current king, wants to eliminate Hamlet to secure his position as king. He manipulates Laertes, the son of Polonius, to seek revenge for his father's death and conspires with him to kill Hamlet. This plan involves staging a fencing match where Laertes will use a poisoned sword and Claudius will offer Hamlet a poisoned drink. Their collaboration demonstrates their shared goal of eliminating Hamlet and maintaining their power.

2. Which character does Hamlet see marching across Denmark?

Fortinbras

Marcellus

Bernardo

Laertes

Hamlet sees Fortinbras marching across Denmark. Fortinbras is a character in the play who is the Prince of Norway. He is shown as a strong and ambitious leader, seeking to reclaim the lands lost by his father. This sighting of Fortinbras marching across Denmark serves as a contrast to Hamlet's own indecisiveness and lack of action. It highlights Fortinbras' determination and resolve, which further emphasizes Hamlet's internal struggle and his inability to take decisive action.

Explanation

Hamlet sees Fortinbras marching across Denmark. Fortinbras is a character in the play who is the Prince of Norway. He is shown as a strong and ambitious leader, seeking to reclaim the lands lost by his father. This sighting of Fortinbras marching across Denmark serves as a contrast to Hamlet's own indecisiveness and lack of action. It highlights Fortinbras' determination and resolve, which further emphasizes Hamlet's internal struggle and his inability to take decisive action.

3. Why is Hamlet sent to England?

To see a doctor

To be imprisoned

To be put to death

None of the above

Hamlet is sent to England to be put to death because King Claudius, who is responsible for his father's death, sees him as a threat. By sending Hamlet away, Claudius hopes to eliminate any potential opposition and secure his own power. This decision reflects Claudius's cunning and ruthless nature, as he is willing to go to extreme measures to protect his position as king.

Explanation

Hamlet is sent to England to be put to death because King Claudius, who is responsible for his father's death, sees him as a threat. By sending Hamlet away, Claudius hopes to eliminate any potential opposition and secure his own power. This decision reflects Claudius's cunning and ruthless nature, as he is willing to go to extreme measures to protect his position as king.

4. Whose death does Laertes seek justice for?

Ophelia

Hamlet Sr.

Polonius

Fortinbrass

Laertes seeks justice for the death of Polonius. In Shakespeare's play "Hamlet," Polonius is a counselor to the King and father to Laertes and Ophelia. He is killed accidentally by Hamlet, who mistakes him for someone else while hiding behind a curtain. This event leads Laertes to seek revenge against Hamlet, which ultimately leads to a tragic outcome for both characters.

Explanation

Laertes seeks justice for the death of Polonius. In Shakespeare's play "Hamlet," Polonius is a counselor to the King and father to Laertes and Ophelia. He is killed accidentally by Hamlet, who mistakes him for someone else while hiding behind a curtain. This event leads Laertes to seek revenge against Hamlet, which ultimately leads to a tragic outcome for both characters.

5. Who is the first to be informed that Hamlet returns to Denmark?

Laertes

Gertrude

Claudius

Horatio

Horatio is the first to be informed that Hamlet returns to Denmark. This is evident from Act 1, Scene 2 of Shakespeare's play "Hamlet," where Horatio receives a letter from Hamlet's father's ghost informing him of Hamlet's return. Horatio is a trusted friend of Hamlet and plays a significant role throughout the play. He is present during important events and serves as a confidant to Hamlet, making him the most likely person to be informed about his return.

Explanation

Horatio is the first to be informed that Hamlet returns to Denmark. This is evident from Act 1, Scene 2 of Shakespeare's play "Hamlet," where Horatio receives a letter from Hamlet's father's ghost informing him of Hamlet's return. Horatio is a trusted friend of Hamlet and plays a significant role throughout the play. He is present during important events and serves as a confidant to Hamlet, making him the most likely person to be informed about his return.