Understanding Hamlet's Opening Scene

Who is the officer that comes to relieve Francisco on a dark winter night outside Elsinore Castle?

• Marcellus

• Bernardo

• Horatio

• Fortinbras

Who is the young Prince of Norway mentioned in the passage?

• Marcellus

• Bernardo

• Fortinbras

• Horatio

What does Fortinbras seek to do according to Horatio?

• Make peace with Denmark

• Reconquer lands forfeited by Norway

• Marry into the Danish royal family

• Build a new castle.

What do the men hope to show Horatio?

• A new weapon

• The ghost of King Hamlet

• A secret map

• A hidden treasure.

Who joins Bernardo shortly after he relieves Francisco?

• Fortinbras

• Marcellus

• Horatio

• King Hamlet

Fill in the blank: Francisco is cold, tired, and ______ from his many hours of guarding the castle.

• Happy

• Apprehensive

• Excited

• Angry

Fill in the blank: The ghost is said to have appeared on the castle ______ in the late hours of the night.

• Walls

• Ramparts

• Towers

• Gates

What does Horatio suggest they do after the ghost appears for the second time?

• Ignore it

• Tell Prince Hamlet

• Run away

• Investigate further

Fill in the blank: Claudius says that he mourns his brother but has chosen to balance Denmark’s mourning with the delight of his _______.

• Victory

• Marriage

• Wealth

• Power

Who is the son of the Lord Chamberlain, Polonius?

• Hamlet

• Fortinbras

• Laertes

• Horatio