1.
What is the name of the play Hamlet uses to “catch the conscience of the King”?
Correct Answer
C. Murder of Gonzago
Explanation
In Shakespeare's play Hamlet, the name of the play that Hamlet uses to "catch the conscience of the King" is "Murder of Gonzago". This play within the play is also known as "The Mousetrap". Hamlet stages this play to reenact the murder of his father by his uncle, the current King, in order to observe his uncle's reaction and confirm his guilt. The play serves as a pivotal moment in the plot, as it provides Hamlet with the evidence he needs to take revenge on his uncle.
2.
Who asks Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to take Hamlet to England?
Correct Answer
D. Claudius
Explanation
Claudius asks Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to take Hamlet to England. This is seen in Act 3, Scene 3 of Shakespeare's play "Hamlet." Claudius sends them with a letter instructing the King of England to execute Hamlet upon arrival. Claudius does this as a way to get rid of Hamlet and eliminate any potential threat to his throne.
3.
What does Claudius do that makes Hamlet hesitate killing him (at least for a little while)?
Correct Answer
A. Pray for forgiveness
Explanation
Claudius's act of praying for forgiveness makes Hamlet hesitate killing him. This is because Hamlet believes that if he kills Claudius while he is praying, he will send him to heaven and deny him the punishment he deserves for his sins. Hamlet wants Claudius to suffer for his actions, so he decides to wait for a more opportune moment to exact his revenge.
4.
Where does Polonius hide before he is accidentally murdered by Hamlet?
Correct Answer
B. Behind a tapestry
Explanation
Polonius hides behind a tapestry before he is accidentally murdered by Hamlet. This means that he concealed himself by standing or crouching behind a large hanging fabric in order to eavesdrop on a conversation or observe the situation without being seen. However, his hiding place ultimately leads to his demise as Hamlet, mistaking him for someone else, stabs him through the tapestry.
5.
Why is Hamlet sent to England?
Correct Answer
C. To be put to death
Explanation
Hamlet is sent to England to be put to death because King Claudius, who is Hamlet's uncle and the current king, sees him as a threat to his power. Claudius fears that Hamlet knows the truth about his father's murder and may seek revenge. Therefore, he devises a plan to have Hamlet executed in England, under the guise of sending him there for his own safety. This way, Claudius hopes to eliminate the potential threat that Hamlet poses to his reign.
6.
Which character does Hamlet see marching across Denmark?
Correct Answer
A. Fortinbras
Explanation
Hamlet sees Fortinbras marching across Denmark. Fortinbras is the prince of Norway and plays a significant role in the play. He is shown as a foil to Hamlet, as both are young princes seeking revenge for their fathers' deaths. Fortinbras' army and determination to reclaim the land his father lost serve as a contrast to Hamlet's indecisiveness and inaction. This sighting of Fortinbras marching signifies the external threat and potential for violence that exists in the kingdom.
7.
Who is the first to be informed that Hamlet returns to Denmark?
Correct Answer
D. Horatio
Explanation
Horatio is the first to be informed that Hamlet returns to Denmark. This is evident from Act I, Scene V of Shakespeare's play "Hamlet". After encountering the ghost of Hamlet's father, Horatio immediately informs Hamlet about the ghost's appearance. He is the one who witnesses and shares this important information with Hamlet, making him the first person to be informed about Hamlet's return to Denmark.
8.
Which two characters plot to kill Hamlet?
Correct Answer
B. Claudius and Laertes
Explanation
Claudius and Laertes plot to kill Hamlet. Claudius, the brother of Hamlet's father, is motivated by his desire to maintain his position as king. He sees Hamlet as a threat to his power and decides to eliminate him. Laertes, on the other hand, seeks revenge for his father's death, which he blames on Hamlet. The two characters join forces and devise a plan to murder Hamlet, leading to a tragic chain of events in Shakespeare's play.
9.
How did Ophelia die?
Correct Answer
D. Drowned
Explanation
Ophelia died by drowning. This is evident in Shakespeare's play "Hamlet" where Ophelia is described as falling into a river and drowning. Her death is often interpreted as a suicide, as she is overwhelmed by grief and madness following the death of her father and the rejection of her love, Hamlet. The imagery of water and drowning is used symbolically throughout the play to represent Ophelia's emotional turmoil and eventual tragic end.
10.
Who was Yorick?
Correct Answer
C. A jester for Hamlet Sr.
Explanation
Yorick was a jester for Hamlet Sr. This can be inferred from the context of the question, which is asking about Yorick's identity. In Shakespeare's play "Hamlet," Yorick is mentioned as the court jester of Hamlet Sr., the deceased king and father of the main character. The question is testing the knowledge of the play and its characters.
11.
Who suffers the first wound from the poisoned sword?
Correct Answer
A. Hamlet
Explanation
Hamlet suffers the first wound from the poisoned sword. This is evident in the final scene of Shakespeare's play "Hamlet," where Laertes, seeking revenge for his father's death, challenges Hamlet to a fencing match. During the match, Laertes strikes Hamlet with a poisoned sword, causing him to become fatally wounded. This event ultimately leads to the deaths of several characters and the resolution of the play.
12.
Who dies by drinking from the poisonous cup in the final scene?
Correct Answer
C. Gertrude
Explanation
In the final scene of Hamlet, Gertrude drinks from the poisonous cup. This happens during the fencing match between Hamlet and Laertes, where Claudius had planned to poison Hamlet's drink. However, Gertrude accidentally drinks from the poisoned cup intended for Hamlet. This ultimately leads to her death, making Gertrude the one who dies by drinking from the poisonous cup in the final scene.
13.
Who does Hamlet establish as the new King of Denmark before he dies at the end of the play
Correct Answer
D. Fortinbras
Explanation
Hamlet establishes Fortinbras as the new King of Denmark before he dies at the end of the play. Fortinbras is the prince of Norway and has a legitimate claim to the throne. Throughout the play, Hamlet admires Fortinbras' determination and leadership qualities. In the final scene, Hamlet witnesses the deaths of his loved ones and realizes the chaos and corruption in Denmark. He sees Fortinbras as a worthy successor who can restore order and bring stability to the kingdom. By appointing Fortinbras as the new king, Hamlet ensures a better future for Denmark.
14.
Whose death does Laertes seek justice for?
Correct Answer
C. Polonius
Explanation
Laertes seeks justice for the death of Polonius. In Shakespeare's play "Hamlet," Polonius is a trusted counselor to the king, but he is mistakenly killed by Hamlet. Laertes, Polonius' son, becomes enraged and seeks revenge for his father's death. He teams up with Claudius, the king, to plot against Hamlet. This ultimately leads to a duel between Laertes and Hamlet, resulting in their tragic deaths. Laertes' desire for justice for his father's death drives much of the action in the play.