Hamlet Act I Vocabulary and Analysis Quiz

What does the word "usurp" most closely mean as used in the context of the first act?

• To inherit

• To take over without legal right

• To protect

• To discuss

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

In the context of Act I, what does the appearance of the ghost symbolize?

• The return of a beloved king

• Unfinished business among the living

• The onset of a great war

• A warning of betrayal

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.10

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.10. RL.11-12.10

CCSS.RL.8.10

The term "portentous" is used to describe the ghost. What does "portentous" mean?

• Friendly and welcoming

• Of great significance or likely to happen

• Terrifying and ghostly

• Insignificant and common

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

What does Hamlet mean by the term "ineluctable" when referring to his fate?

• Avoidable

• Inevitable

• Unfortunate

• Desirable

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

The phrase "a little more than kin, and less than kind" is an example of what literary device?

• Metaphor

• Simile

• Antithesis

• Alliteration

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.2.6

In Act I, Hamlet describes Denmark as an "unweeded garden." What does this metaphor suggest about Denmark?

• It is a place of natural beauty and order.

• It is neglected and overrun with problems.

• It is a small, insignificant place.

• It is a well-maintained and prosperous country.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.10

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.10. RL.11-12.10

CCSS.RL.8.10

What does the term "auspicious" mean as used to describe the marriage of Claudius and Gertrude?

• Shameful

• Promising and favorable

• Hasty and ill-considered

• Sacred and untouchable

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

The word "dirge" is used in Act I. What does "dirge" mean?

• A lively dance

• A song of mourning

• A declaration of war

• A festive celebration

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

What does the term "impious" best describe in the context of Hamlet's view on his mother's marriage to Claudius?

• Devout and holy

• Wicked and lacking in reverence

• Joyful and celebratory

• Indifferent and uninterested

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

In Act I, the "cannon's mouth" is mentioned. What does this imagery most likely symbolize?

• Celebration and joy

• The start of a new era

• Impending conflict and war

• Technological advancement

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.10

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.10. RL.11-12.10

CCSS.RL.8.10