How Well You Know About Hamlet Play? Trivia Quiz
How much do you know about the play Hamlet? This quiz will reveal the answer. You may have read the play or seen it many times, but even the most thorough expert on Hamlet can fall short sometimes. This quiz delves into questions that only a true fan of Hamlet would know. For example, why does Hamlet hold a human skull in the play? Take the quiz and see if you can answer questions like this and more. .
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Who tried to stop the possible war with Norway?
- A.
Claudius
- B.
Hamlet
- C.
Polonius
- D.
Horatio
Correct Answer
A. ClaudiusExplanation
Claudius tried to stop the possible war with Norway.Rate this question:
-
- 2.
Who once played in the production of Julius Caesar?
- A.
Hamlet
- B.
Gertrude
- C.
Horatio
- D.
Polonius
Correct Answer
D. PoloniusExplanation
Polonius is the correct answer because Hamlet, Gertrude, and Horatio are all characters from the play "Hamlet" and not "Julius Caesar." Polonius, on the other hand, is a character from "Julius Caesar" and plays a significant role as a counselor to the protagonist.Rate this question:
-
- 3.
Who loved Rhenish?
- A.
Horatio
- B.
Hamlet
- C.
Claudius
- D.
Polonius
Correct Answer
B. HamletExplanation
Hamlet loved Rhenish.Rate this question:
-
- 4.
Who didn't seem worried about dying?
- A.
Ophelia
- B.
Claudius
- C.
Gertrude
- D.
Hamlet
Correct Answer
D. HamletExplanation
Hamlet is the correct answer because throughout the play, he contemplates the concept of death and even expresses a desire for it at times. He frequently discusses the idea of suicide and seems to have a fascination with death. This is evident in his famous soliloquy, "To be, or not to be," where he ponders the pros and cons of living and dying. Hamlet's preoccupation with death suggests that he is not worried about dying, but rather intrigued by it.Rate this question:
-
- 5.
A valuable pearl was offered to whom?
- A.
Gertrude
- B.
Ophelia
- C.
Hamlet
- D.
Claudius
Correct Answer
C. HamletExplanation
Hamlet was offered the valuable pearl.Rate this question:
-
- 6.
What character was puzzled over Danish customs?
- A.
Horatio
- B.
Laertes
- C.
Hamlet
- D.
Claudius
Correct Answer
C. HamletExplanation
Hamlet is the correct answer because in the play "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare, the character Hamlet is depicted as being puzzled over Danish customs. Throughout the play, Hamlet struggles with understanding the customs and traditions of the Danish court, particularly in relation to his father's death and his mother's hasty marriage to his uncle Claudius. Hamlet's confusion and frustration with these customs play a significant role in his internal conflict and his quest for revenge.Rate this question:
-
- 7.
Whose skull did Hamlet hold?
- A.
Yorick
- B.
Claudius
- C.
Ophelia
- D.
Polonius
Correct Answer
A. YorickExplanation
In Shakespeare's play Hamlet, the protagonist Hamlet holds the skull of Yorick. Yorick was the court jester of Hamlet's father, King Hamlet, and his skull serves as a powerful symbol of mortality and the fleeting nature of life. This moment occurs in Act 5, Scene 1, when Hamlet reflects on the inevitability of death and the vanity of human existence. The skull of Yorick becomes a poignant reminder of the characters' mortality and the themes of the play.Rate this question:
-
- 8.
Whom was spied on by Reynaldo?
- A.
Polonius
- B.
Claudius
- C.
Laertes
- D.
Hamlet
Correct Answer
C. LaertesExplanation
Reynaldo spied on Laertes.Rate this question:
-
- 9.
Who described the man as the "paragon" of animals?
- A.
Laertes
- B.
Polonius
- C.
Hamlet
- D.
Claudius
Correct Answer
C. HamletExplanation
Hamlet described the man as the "paragon" of animals.Rate this question:
-
- 10.
Who bought an unction of a mountebank?
- A.
Hamlet
- B.
Claudius
- C.
Polonius
- D.
Laertes
Correct Answer
D. LaertesExplanation
Laertes bought an unction of a mountebank.Rate this question:
-
- 11.
Who did not believe in ghosts?
- A.
Hamlet
- B.
Gertrude
- C.
Claudius
- D.
Polonius
Correct Answer
C. ClaudiusExplanation
Claudius did not believe in ghosts.Rate this question:
-
- 12.
Whos skull did Hamlet hold?
- A.
Ophelia
- B.
King Hamlet
- C.
Claudius
- D.
Yorick
Correct Answer
D. YorickExplanation
In Shakespeare's play "Hamlet," the protagonist holds the skull of Yorick. Yorick was the court jester of Hamlet's father, King Hamlet, who died before the events of the play. The sight of Yorick's skull prompts Hamlet to reflect on the inevitability of death and the fleeting nature of life. This famous scene, known as the "Yorick's skull" or "Alas, poor Yorick" scene, serves as a turning point in the play, deepening Hamlet's contemplation of mortality and driving his actions further.Rate this question:
-
- 13.
Who was the judge of the sword fight?
- A.
Laertes
- B.
Claudius
- C.
Gertrude
- D.
Orsic
Correct Answer
D. OrsicExplanation
Orsic was the judge of the sword fight.Rate this question:
-
- 14.
This country might attack Denmark.
Correct Answer
NorwayExplanation
Norway is suggested as the correct answer because it is a neighboring country of Denmark and has historically been involved in conflicts with Denmark. Additionally, Norway has a strong military presence and has the capability to launch an attack if the circumstances were to arise.Rate this question:
- 15.
Who had gathered a group to support him as the new Danish king?
- A.
Claudius
- B.
Hamlet
- C.
Polonius
- D.
Laertes
Correct Answer
D. LaertesExplanation
Laertes had gathered a group to support him as the new Danish king.Rate this question:
-
- 16.
Whose insanity was real?
- A.
Claudius
- B.
Horatio
- C.
Ophelia
- D.
Hamlet
Correct Answer
C. OpheliaExplanation
Ophelia's insanity was real. In Shakespeare's play "Hamlet," Ophelia's mental state deteriorates after the death of her father, Polonius, and Hamlet's rejection of her. She becomes overwhelmed with grief and starts exhibiting erratic behavior, singing nonsensical songs and handing out flowers. Ophelia's madness is portrayed as genuine, as she is unable to distinguish reality from her delusions. This is in contrast to other characters like Hamlet, whose madness is often debated as feigned or genuine.Rate this question:
-
- 17.
In the famous eavesdropping scene, Ophelia is instructed to read what?
- A.
Letters
- B.
Book of devotions
- C.
Poems
- D.
Songs
Correct Answer
B. Book of devotionsExplanation
In the famous eavesdropping scene, Ophelia is instructed to read a book of devotions. This is significant because it shows that Ophelia is being used as a pawn in a plot to spy on Hamlet. By instructing her to read from a book of devotions, it gives the impression that she is innocently engaged in her religious duties, allowing the characters to eavesdrop on her conversation with Hamlet without raising suspicion. This adds to the dramatic tension and deception within the scene.Rate this question:
-
- 18.
Who plots to hide behind an arras?
- A.
Polonius
- B.
Hamlet
- C.
Claudius
- D.
Laertes
Correct Answer
A. PoloniusExplanation
Polonius plots to hide behind an arras in the play Hamlet. This occurs during the famous "closet scene" where Hamlet confronts his mother, Queen Gertrude, about her relationship with Claudius. Polonius, who is hiding behind the arras, believes that he can eavesdrop on their conversation and gather information. However, Hamlet becomes suspicious and stabs through the arras, killing Polonius. This event sets off a chain of tragic events in the play.Rate this question:
-
- 19.
Who calls Polonius a fish monger?
- A.
Laertes
- B.
Claudius
- C.
Ophelia
- D.
Hamlet
Correct Answer
D. HamletExplanation
In Shakespeare's play "Hamlet," the character of Hamlet refers to Polonius as a fish monger. This insult is a way for Hamlet to mock and belittle Polonius, who is portrayed as a foolish and meddling character. The term "fish monger" suggests that Polonius is involved in dirty or shady dealings, comparing him to someone who sells fish, which was often associated with being untrustworthy or deceitful during Shakespeare's time.Rate this question:
-
- 20.
Who reports that Hamlet's stockings are down to his knees?
- A.
Ophelia
- B.
Laertes
- C.
Claudius
- D.
Polonius
Correct Answer
A. OpheliaExplanation
Ophelia reports that Hamlet's stockings are down to his knees. This suggests that Ophelia has observed Hamlet's appearance closely, possibly indicating a close relationship between the two characters. It also implies that Ophelia pays attention to small details, which could be significant in understanding her character and role in the play.Rate this question:
-
- 21.
Define Drabbing?
- A.
Drinking
- B.
Cussing
- C.
Go around cursing
- D.
Go around whorring
Correct Answer
D. Go around whorring -
- 22.
Who uses Polonius for his own good?
- A.
Laertes
- B.
Hamlet
- C.
Claudius
- D.
Horatio
Correct Answer
B. HamletExplanation
Hamlet uses Polonius for his own good. In the play, Hamlet pretends to be mad and uses this disguise to manipulate and deceive those around him. He sees Polonius as a convenient tool to gather information and further his own plans. Hamlet takes advantage of Polonius' loyalty to the king and his desire to please others, using him to gain insight into the affairs of the court. Ultimately, Hamlet's actions lead to Polonius' death, further demonstrating how he uses him for his own purposes.Rate this question:
-
- 23.
Who speaks the first soliloquy?
- A.
Hamlet
- B.
Polonius
- C.
Claudius
- D.
Ophelia
Correct Answer
A. HamletExplanation
Hamlet speaks the first soliloquy in the play. A soliloquy is a dramatic device used to reveal a character's inner thoughts and feelings. In this soliloquy, Hamlet expresses his deep despair and contemplation of suicide. He reflects on the state of the world and his own personal struggles, providing insight into his complex and troubled mind. This soliloquy sets the tone for the rest of the play and establishes Hamlet as a deeply introspective and conflicted character.Rate this question:
-
- 24.
Who ordered a proper burial for Hamlet?
- A.
Horatio
- B.
Prince Hamlet
- C.
Fortinbras
- D.
Ophelia
Correct Answer
C. FortinbrasExplanation
Before his demise, Hamlet instructs Horatio to recount the complete narrative that has culminated in these fatalities and pledges his backing for Fortinbras to ascend to the throne. Following Hamlet's demise, Fortinbras appears, seizes the crown, and mandates a military funeral for Hamlet.Rate this question:
-
Quiz Review Timeline +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
-
Current Version
-
Feb 21, 2024Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Jun 22, 2010Quiz Created by
Cbs0018