Hamlet Acts 1 And 2

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  • 1/25 Questions

    What does the ghost of King Hamlet ask Hamlet to do?

    • Marry Ophelia
    • Become King of Norway
    • Avenge his murder
    • Become an actor
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About This Quiz

This quiz assesses knowledge on the first two acts of Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' focusing on key plot elements such as the murder of King Hamlet, the ghost's requests, and the setup for Hamlet's revenge. It tests understanding of character actions and motivations, enhancing literary analysis skills.

Hamlet Quizzes & Trivia

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  • 2. 

    She is the daughter of Polonius, sister of Laertes, and potential wife of Prince Hamlet.

    • Gertrude

    • Desdemona

    • Lucretia

    • Ophelia

    Correct Answer
    A. Ophelia
    Explanation
    Ophelia is the correct answer because she is indeed the daughter of Polonius, the sister of Laertes, and a potential wife of Prince Hamlet. In Shakespeare's play "Hamlet," Ophelia is a young woman who becomes entangled in the tragic events surrounding the main character, Hamlet. She is obedient to her father and brother, but her love for Hamlet leads to her downfall. Ophelia's character is known for her innocence, vulnerability, and eventual madness.

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  • 3. 

    What relation is Claudius to Hamlet?

    • Cousin and close friend

    • Step-brother and guardian

    • Grandfather and tutor

    • Uncle and stepfather

    Correct Answer
    A. Uncle and stepfather
    Explanation
    Claudius is Hamlet's uncle because he is the brother of Hamlet's father. He is also Hamlet's stepfather because he married Hamlet's mother, Gertrude, after his father's death.

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  • 4. 

    Why is Hamlet so angry with his mother, Gertrude?

    • He thinks she killed his father

    • She hates all his friends

    • She does not approve of his affection for Ophelia

    • He cannot stand the thought of her being married to Claudius

    Correct Answer
    A. He cannot stand the thought of her being married to Claudius
    Explanation
    Hamlet is angry with his mother, Gertrude, because he cannot bear the idea of her being married to Claudius. This anger stems from his belief that Claudius is responsible for his father's death and that Gertrude's hasty marriage to Claudius is a betrayal to his father's memory. Hamlet sees the marriage as an act of disrespect and disloyalty, causing him to feel enraged and resentful towards his mother.

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  • 5. 

    In Act I Scene I, who is asked by the guards to speak to and question the ghost?

    • Polonius

    • Horatio

    • Gertrude

    • Laertes

    Correct Answer
    A. Horatio
    Explanation
    In Act I Scene I of the play, the guards ask Horatio to speak to and question the ghost. This is evident from the text where the guards mention to Horatio that he is a scholar and might be able to communicate with the ghost better than they can. Therefore, Horatio is the one who is asked by the guards to interact with the ghost.

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  • 6. 

    Why does Hamlet arrange for the play to be performed?

    • He uses the play to expose Polonius's foolishness

    • He wants to see if Claudius reacts guiltily to the subject matter

    • He knows that Claudius hates plays, so arranges for one just to spite him

    • He wants to become an actor and this would be a good time to practice

    Correct Answer
    A. He wants to see if Claudius reacts guiltily to the subject matter
    Explanation
    Hamlet arranges for the play to be performed because he wants to see if Claudius reacts guiltily to the subject matter. This is part of his plan to confirm Claudius's guilt in the murder of his father. By staging a play that mirrors the circumstances of his father's death, Hamlet hopes to observe Claudius's reaction and determine if he is truly guilty.

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  • 7. 

    How did Claudius murder King Hamlet?

    • From drinking poisoned wine

    • From poison being dropped in his ear

    • From a poisonous snake bite

    • From wounds received in battle

    Correct Answer
    A. From poison being dropped in his ear
    Explanation
    Claudius murdered King Hamlet by dropping poison in his ear. This method of assassination is mentioned in Shakespeare's play "Hamlet." Claudius pours poison into King Hamlet's ear while he is sleeping, causing his death. This act sets the stage for the events that unfold throughout the play, as Hamlet seeks revenge for his father's murder.

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  • 8. 

    What is the ghost of King Hamlet wearing that causes Horatio some concern?

    • He was wearing one of Gertrude's gowns

    • He was wearing a priest's robe

    • He was wearing the same armor he was wearing when he defeated King Forinbras

    • He was wearing a pair of devil's horns

    Correct Answer
    A. He was wearing the same armor he was wearing when he defeated King Forinbras
    Explanation
    The ghost of King Hamlet wearing the same armor he was wearing when he defeated King Forinbras causes Horatio some concern.

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  • 9. 

    What is the name of the play Hamlet wants the actors to perform?

    • The Rape of Lucretia

    • The Taming of the Shrew

    • The Tempest

    • The Murder of Gonzaga

    Correct Answer
    A. The Murder of Gonzaga
    Explanation
    In the play Hamlet, the main character wants the actors to perform a play called "The Murder of Gonzaga." This play within a play is meant to reenact the murder of Hamlet's father, the former king, by his uncle Claudius. Hamlet hopes that by observing Claudius' reaction to the play, he will be able to confirm his guilt and seek revenge. "The Murder of Gonzaga" serves as a crucial plot device in unraveling the truth and advancing the story of Hamlet.

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  • 10. 

    Which young Prince of Norway, whose father was killed by Hamlet's father, wishes to attack Denmark to avenge his father's honor?

    • Laertes

    • Fortinbras

    • Osric

    • Marcellus

    Correct Answer
    A. Fortinbras
    Explanation
    Fortinbras is the correct answer because he is the young Prince of Norway whose father was killed by Hamlet's father. He seeks to avenge his father's honor by attacking Denmark. Laertes is not the correct answer as he is a young man from Denmark and does not have a connection to Norway. Osric and Marcellus are also not the correct answers as they are minor characters in the play and do not have any relation to avenging a father's honor.

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  • 11. 

    What is a soliloquy? 

    • Comparing things without using “like” or “as”

    • A speech given by a character alone on the stage that reveals thoughts

    • A series of related events that make up a story

    • The first half of a play

    Correct Answer
    A. A speech given by a character alone on the stage that reveals thoughts
    Explanation
    A soliloquy is a speech given by a character alone on the stage that reveals their thoughts. It is a moment in a play when a character speaks their innermost thoughts and feelings, often addressing the audience directly. This allows the audience to gain insight into the character's motivations, emotions, and conflicts. Soliloquies are commonly used in plays to provide depth and complexity to the characters and to advance the plot by revealing important information.

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  • 12. 

    Who are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?

    • Royal jesters

    • Friends of Hamlet

    • Friends of Laertes

    • Friends of Horatio

    Correct Answer
    A. Friends of Hamlet
    Explanation
    Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are known to be friends of Hamlet. They are childhood friends of the prince and are called upon by King Claudius to spy on Hamlet and report back to him. They play a significant role in the play "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare, as they unknowingly become pawns in the political maneuverings of the kingdom. Ultimately, their loyalty to the king leads to their demise as they are caught in the middle of Hamlet's revenge plot.

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  • 13. 

    Who said, "The play's the thing/Wherein I'll catch the conscience of the King"

    • Hamlet

    • Polonius

    • Horatio

    • The Ghost

    Correct Answer
    A. Hamlet
    Explanation
    In the play "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare, the character Hamlet says the famous line, "The play's the thing/Wherein I'll catch the conscience of the King." This line is spoken by Hamlet as he plans to stage a play within the play, called "The Mousetrap," in order to test the guilt of his uncle, King Claudius, who he suspects of murdering his father. Hamlet believes that by watching the king's reaction to the play, he will be able to determine if Claudius is truly guilty or not. This line highlights Hamlet's cunning and strategic thinking in his quest for revenge.

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  • 14. 

    How are Polonius and Laertes related?

    • Uncle/nephew

    • Brothers

    • Father/son

    • Cousins

    Correct Answer
    A. Father/son
    Explanation
    Polonius and Laertes are related as father and son. This is evident in Shakespeare's play Hamlet, where Polonius is the father of Laertes. The relationship between the two is explored throughout the play, particularly in scenes where Polonius gives advice to his son and when they both interact with other characters.

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  • 15. 

    In Act I Scene II, what does Laertes request from the king?

    • Permission to fight Fortinbras

    • Permission to marry Ophelia

    • Permission to return to France

    • Permission to open a pottery shop

    Correct Answer
    A. Permission to return to France
    Explanation
    In Act I Scene II, Laertes requests permission from the king to return to France. This indicates that Laertes wants to leave Denmark and go back to his home country. The reason for his request is not explicitly mentioned in the question, but it could be assumed that Laertes has personal or professional matters to attend to in France.

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  • 16. 

    In Act I Scene I, why are the soldiers on guard?

    • There is concern that the Saxons are preparing to attack

    • There is concern that Wittenberg is preparing to attack

    • There is concern that France is preparing to attack

    • There is concern that young Fortinbras is preparing to attack

    Correct Answer
    A. There is concern that young Fortinbras is preparing to attack
    Explanation
    In Act I Scene I, the soldiers are on guard because there is concern that young Fortinbras is preparing to attack. This is indicated by the presence of Bernardo and Francisco on watch duty and their discussion about the ghost of King Hamlet. The soldiers are vigilant and prepared for any potential threat from Fortinbras and his army, as they are aware of his previous attempts to reclaim the lands lost by his father.

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  • 17. 

    What is the name of the castle where most of the action in Hamlet takes place?

    • Sardis

    • Persepolis

    • Hattusas

    • Elsinore

    Correct Answer
    A. Elsinore
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Elsinore. Elsinore is the name of the castle where most of the action in Shakespeare's play Hamlet takes place. It is the setting for many key scenes, including the famous "To be or not to be" soliloquy. The castle of Elsinore serves as a central location for the events of the play, providing a backdrop for the unfolding drama and intrigue.

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  • 18. 

    Where was Hamlet studying before he returned to Denmark?

    • Oslo

    • London

    • Wittenberg

    • Dublin

    Correct Answer
    A. Wittenberg
    Explanation
    Hamlet was studying in Wittenberg before he returned to Denmark. This is mentioned in the play "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare. Wittenberg is a city in Germany and is known for its prestigious university, which was a popular choice for students during the Renaissance period. Hamlet's studies in Wittenberg indicate his intellectual and scholarly pursuits before he is called back to Denmark due to his father's death.

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  • 19. 

    What is Polonius' position in the court?

    • King's chief minister

    • General of the armies

    • Court physician

    • A Catholic priest

    Correct Answer
    A. King's chief minister
    Explanation
    Polonius' position in the court is the king's chief minister. This means that he holds a high-ranking position and is responsible for advising and assisting the king in various matters of governance. As the chief minister, Polonius likely has significant influence and authority within the court and plays a crucial role in the decision-making process.

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  • 20. 

    Why doesn't Hamlet just take the ghost's word without proof?

    • He's not sure he understood what the ghost was saying

    • It could be an evil spirit trying to get him to damn his soul by doing evil deeds

    • He doesn't believe that the ghost was real

    • He is concerned that the ghost is some sort of Norwegian plot to undermine the Danish royal family

    Correct Answer
    A. It could be an evil spirit trying to get him to damn his soul by doing evil deeds
    Explanation
    Hamlet doesn't just take the ghost's word without proof because he is concerned that it could be an evil spirit trying to manipulate him into committing evil deeds and damning his soul. He is wary of blindly following the ghost's instructions without verifying its true intentions. Hamlet's skepticism and fear of being deceived by supernatural forces lead him to question the ghost's credibility and motives.

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  • 21. 

    Approximately how much time has passed between the death of King Hamlet and the remarriage of Gertrude to Claudius?

    • One year

    • Two years

    • Six weeks

    • Six months

    Correct Answer
    A. Six weeks
    Explanation
    The correct answer is six weeks. This can be inferred from Act I, Scene II of Shakespeare's play "Hamlet," where Claudius mentions that it has been "two months" since King Hamlet's death, and in Act IV, Scene VII, Gertrude reveals that she has been married to Claudius for "two months." Therefore, the time between King Hamlet's death and Gertrude's remarriage to Claudius is approximately six weeks.

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  • 22. 

    Who tells Hamlet that he is showing 'impious stubbornness' and 'unmanly grief'?

    • Claudius

    • Horatio

    • Polonius

    • Ophelia

    Correct Answer
    A. Claudius
    Explanation
    Claudius tells Hamlet that he is showing 'impious stubbornness' and 'unmanly grief'. This suggests that Claudius perceives Hamlet's behavior as inappropriate and disrespectful. He believes that Hamlet should not be grieving for his father's death for an extended period of time and should instead move on and accept Claudius as the new king. Claudius may also be concerned that Hamlet's grief and stubbornness could potentially threaten his own position of power.

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  • 23. 

    Which part of the afterlife does the ghost indicate he is inhabiting?

    • Heaven

    • Hell

    • Purgatory

    • Valhalla

    Correct Answer
    A. Purgatory
    Explanation
    The ghost indicates that he is inhabiting purgatory. Purgatory is a concept in certain religious beliefs where souls go after death to be purified before entering heaven. It is often described as a place of temporary suffering and purification. The ghost's indication of being in purgatory suggests that he is in a state of transition and undergoing a process of purification before moving on to the afterlife.

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  • 24. 

    What reason does Horatio give for the ghost's departure at the end of Act One, Scene One?

    • A rooster crowed

    • The moon became full

    • The sound of ringing bells startled it

    • Ophelia began to sing

    Correct Answer
    A. A rooster crowed
    Explanation
    Horatio gives the reason for the ghost's departure at the end of Act One, Scene One as a rooster crowed. This implies that the ghost is a spirit or supernatural being that is affected by the natural world and is forced to leave when the rooster crows, signaling the arrival of dawn. The crowing of the rooster signifies the end of the night and the ghost's time to roam the earth, causing it to retreat.

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  • 25. 

    Who said: “The serpent that did sting thy father’s life, Now wears his crown.”

    • Hamlet

    • Laertes

    • Polonius

    • The Ghost

    Correct Answer
    A. The Ghost
    Explanation
    In this quote, the Ghost is referring to Claudius, who killed King Hamlet and took his place as the new king. The Ghost is telling Hamlet that the person responsible for his father's death now holds the power and authority that rightfully belonged to King Hamlet. This quote highlights the theme of revenge and the corrupting nature of power in the play.

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Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Mar 22, 2023 +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 22, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Nov 11, 2015
    Quiz Created by
    Jberneche
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