"The Tragedy of Hamlet" by William Shakespeare

What is the difference between Ophelia’s madness and Hamlet’s?

• Ophelia’s madness is authentic and caused by external conflicts; Hamlet’s madness may be feigned.

• Ophelia’s madness results from unclear causes; the causes of Hamlet’s madness are clear.

• Ophelia’s madness occurs after her conflicts have already arisen; Hamlet’s madness occurs before.

• Ophelia’s madness is curable and temporary; Hamlet’s madness is incurable and permanent.

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What effect does the ghost of Hamlet’s father have on Hamlet that contributes to the rising action of the play?

• Hamlet becomes confused and indecisive.

• Hamlet examines his motives before acting.

• Hamlet seeks revenge against Claudius.

• Hamlet feels more kindly toward Gertrude.

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What idea does Claudius convey with the paradoxical phrase With mirth in funeral and with dirge in marriage(Act I, Scene 2, line 12)?

• He regrets marrying Gertrude.

• He feels ashamed of his actions.

• He is relieved that his brother died.

• He has mixed emotions over recent events.

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In Act I, Scene 2, lines 139–153, Hamlet alludes to Hyperion and Niobe. What purpose do these allusions serve?

• They link Claudius and Gertrude to the crimes committed in ancient tragedies.

• They identify qualities of Claudius and Gertrude that are carefully concealed.

• They suggest that Claudius and Gertrude are equally guilty.

• They are used to characterize the behavior of Claudius and Gertrude.

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What is the internal conflict Hamlet expresses in his soliloquy at the end of Act II (O, what a rogue and peasant slave am I . . .)?

• He has every reason to be fierce and angry, but he is weak and refuses to act.

• He is terrified of his own murderous rage, so he is unable to do anything but mope.

• He feels that the world is cruel and unjust, and he cannot change its nature.

• He is unsure whether bloody revenge is the proper reaction, so he hesitates to act.

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Which is a question Hamlet asks in his To be or not to be soliloquy in Act III, Scene 1, lines 57–91?

• Is happiness really a better alternative than suffering?

• Is it better to sleep through life than to be angry all the time?

• Is suicide really a viable option to escape from suffering?

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Which is a question Hamlet asks in his To be or not to be soliloquy in Act III, Scene 1, lines 57–91?

• Is it wiser to accept suffering or to fight its causes and end it?

• Is the passing of time good or bad for the human condition?

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How does Hamlet’s encounter with Fortinbras in Act IV help Hamlet avenge his father’s death?

• Fortinbras encourages Hamlet to seek revenge as a way of curing his madness.

• Hamlet decides that he would like to be as free of conflict as Fortinbras is.

• Fortinbras agrees to support Hamlet in his effort to become King of Denmark.

• Hamlet is inspired by Fortinbras’s passion about an insignificant parcel of land.

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Which was the first event leading up to Hamlet sailing for England in Act IV?

• Gertrude tells Claudius that Hamlet is, indeed, mad.

• Hamlet kills Polonius in Gertrude’s chamber.

• Claudius reveals his plan to have Hamlet killed.

• Claudius reacts to the players’ performance.

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Which was the 2nd event leading up to Hamlet sailing for England in Act IV?

• Gertrude tells Claudius that Hamlet is, indeed, mad.

• Hamlet kills Polonius in Gertrude’s chamber.

• Claudius reveals his plan to have Hamlet killed.

• Claudius reacts to the players’ performance.

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