Shakespearean Drama and Historical Speech Quiz

What conflict does Claudius suggest he feels in lines 1-14 of the excerpt from Hamlet? Write the letter of one statement below the emotion it aligns to. Each emotion has one correct answer.

• his grief over the death of the late king

• his guilt over the means he used to become king

• his suspicion of Hamlet as his heir

• his desire to successfully rule Denmark

• his joy at his marriage to Queen Gertrude

Which characteristic of Claudius revealed in his opening speech will most affect the plot?

• his cunning as a politician

• his skill as a fierce warrior

• his devotion as a loyal husband

• his reliability as a fair lawmaker

Read the dictionary entry. green \grēn\ adj 1. of the color green 2. abounding with green growth or foliage 3. not mature or ripe; young 4. having a sickly or unhealthy appearance Which definition most closely matches the way Claudius uses the word green in line 2 of the excerpt?

• definition 1

• definition 2

• definition 3

• definition 4

Read line 12 of the excerpt. With mirth in funeral and with dirge in marriage, Which statement best explains the meaning of this paradoxical expression?

• Claudius is confused by his brother's death and his own marriage.

• Claudius considers funeral and marriage ceremonies to be amusing and sad.

• Claudius feels mingled grief and joy over his marriage and his brother's death.

• Claudius regrets having married the queen so soon after his brother's funeral.

Read line 21 of the excerpt. Colleaguèd with this dream of his advantage, What is the meaning of the word colleaguèd as it is used in this line?

• assisted with a task

• accompanied someone

• collaborated with others

• connected with something

In line 66, Claudius says to Hamlet: How is it that the clouds still hang on you? What is the effect of using this metaphor?

• It describes how Hamlet is clothed.

• It illustrates Hamlet's changeability.

• It foretells that Hamlet is facing calamity.

• It shows the visibility of Hamlet's dark mood.

This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B. Part A What does Hamlet's soliloquy in lines 129-159 reveal that will advance the plot?

In his soliloquy in lines 129-159, which characterization do the classical allusions to Hyperion, a satyr, Niobe, and Hercules most clearly suggest about Hamlet?

Which two statements describe conflicts that are revealed in the excerpt?

What theme about the world and human nature does Hamlet convey in his soliloquy in lines 129-159? Cite evidence from the text to support your answer.