Hamlet Act 1 Quiz and Flashcards: 100 Questions

Questions and Answers

Who is relieving the other of his watch?

Barnardo is relieving Francisco of his watch.

What's wrong with Bernardo asking 'Who's there' in the first line?

He is questioning to see if it is the ghost that had twice before appeared.

What time is it in the beginning of the book?

It is midnight.

What does 'sick at heart' mean?

It means a sense of uneasiness. Signup and view all the answers

How many times has the apparition appeared before the play starts?

Twice. Signup and view all the answers

Why has Marcellus begged Horatio to join in the watch?

They have something shocking to show him. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Marcellus think Horatio should speak to the ghost?

Because he is educated and a good friend of Hamlet. Signup and view all the answers

What does usurp mean?

To seize and hold by force without legal right. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'What art thou that usurp'st this time of night?' mean?

What are you doing up at this time of night? Signup and view all the answers

In what form and dress does the apparition appear?

He is wearing the King's armor. Signup and view all the answers

What do we learn about the former King of Denmark from Horatio?

The king was wearing exactly the same armor, and he frowned just like the king did when he attacked the Poles. Signup and view all the answers

Who did Hamlet slay?

King Fortinbras. Signup and view all the answers

What did Hamlet and Denmark gain from the victory over the ambitious Fortinbras?

They now have the upper foot against Fortinbras' son. Signup and view all the answers

What does young Fortinbras want to do?

Fortinbras wants to regain the lands his father had lost. Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion do the men come to for why the ghost appears?

Since he caused the war between Denmark and Norway. Signup and view all the answers

What can you conclude from the apparition not answering Horatio's question about the country's fate?

He does not want to share what he knows with them, only with Hamlet. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'With mirth in funeral, and with dirge in marriage' mean?

With happiness in the funeral and sadness in the marriage. Signup and view all the answers

What does the king claim to have done using the Royal 'we'?

He says he has married his sister-in-law. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Claudius think that young Fortinbras has chosen to wage war on Denmark now?

Claudius thinks that he is underestimating his strength and power. Signup and view all the answers

How does Claudius hope to avert war with young Fortinbras?

He believes that handling the situation politically with a letter to Fortinbras's uncle should adequately diffuse the situation. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Laertes come to Denmark?

For King Claudius' coronation. Signup and view all the answers

What request does Laertes make of the King?

He asks for his permission to go back to France. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hamlet mean by 'A little more than kin and less than kind'?

He is twice related to the King in a very unnatural way. Signup and view all the answers

When Claudius asks 'How is it that the cloud still hang on you?', what is the pun in Hamlet's response?

Hamlet plays on 'son' and 'sun'. Signup and view all the answers

What advice does Queen Gertrude give Hamlet to help him overcome the grief of his father?

That it happens all the time; what lives must eventually die. Signup and view all the answers

What does Queen Gertrude mean by 'it' when she asks Hamlet, 'Why seems it so particular with thee?'

Why is your father's death affecting you so much? Signup and view all the answers

What does Hamlet's response reveal about his view of true versus feigned grief?

He says that he's for real grief inside of him that you could never see on the surface. Signup and view all the answers

According to Claudius, how should Hamlet react to 'death is common'?

He suggests that dramatizing grief makes one appear weak. Signup and view all the answers

What does Claudius inform Hamlet of and where does he request Hamlet not to go?

He says that he is now a member of the court, so he cannot go back to Wittenberg. Signup and view all the answers

Why doesn't Hamlet kill himself?

It is a sin against God. Signup and view all the answers

How long was it before his mother married Claudius?

One month. Signup and view all the answers

Does Hamlet think his mother loved King Hamlet while he was alive?

Yes, the more she was with him, the more she wanted to be with him. Signup and view all the answers

What details reveal Hamlet is very upset by the sexual aspect of his mother's new marriage?

He calls it a 'bed of incest'. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways does the soliloquy reveal Hamlet's disturbed mind?

He thinks his mom is not being respectful towards his late father. Signup and view all the answers

What is Hamlet's first question to Horatio after he identifies him?

He asks if that is his name. Signup and view all the answers

What is Hamlet trying to find out when he sees Horatio?

Why he left Wittenberg. Signup and view all the answers

What is Hamlet's point when he says, 'The funeral baked meats did coldly furnish forth the marriage tables'?

The leftovers from the funeral dinner made a convenient wedding banquet. Signup and view all the answers

Horatio's description of the ghost reveals that on his face he wore a 'countenance more in sorrow than in anger.' What might the cause of that sorrow be?

His wife marrying his brother-in-law. Signup and view all the answers

Where is Laertes going?

Back to France. Signup and view all the answers

What has Ophelia been confiding to her brother?

About her relationship with Hamlet. Signup and view all the answers

What does Laertes think of Hamlet's affection for Ophelia?

He thinks it is a flirtation. Signup and view all the answers

Even if Hamlet does love Ophelia, why wouldn't Hamlet marry her?

He has a country to rule and ultimately will pick his people over her. Signup and view all the answers

If Hamlet wouldn't marry her, then why must Ophelia not lose her heart to him?

If she loses her virginity, she is unfit for any other type of marriage. Signup and view all the answers

What does Ophelia chide Laertes to do regarding his own advice?

She tells him to practice what you preach. Signup and view all the answers

What does Polonius mean by 'This above all, to thine own self be true'?

Be true to yourself, and you'll never be false to another man. Signup and view all the answers

How do we know Polonius thinks Hamlet is counterfeiting love for Ophelia?

He believes Ophelia is naive. Signup and view all the answers

What reasons does Polonius give for not believing Hamlet possesses true feelings for Ophelia?

Polonius believes he knows when a guy is in love, and Hamlet is not in love with her. Signup and view all the answers

What command does Polonius give Ophelia to follow?

He tells her to stay away from Hamlet. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hamlet mean when he says, 'the king doth wake tonight and take his rouse'?

The king is staying up all night and partying. Signup and view all the answers

What does Claudius' overnight conduct suggest about his business affairs?

He doesn't conduct them himself; he is too busy partying. Signup and view all the answers

What is Hamlet's criticism of King Claudius?

He is not someone that leads by example. Signup and view all the answers

What do other countries think of Denmark?

They are drunks that party too much. Signup and view all the answers

What can happen as a result of a 'vicious mole of nature'?

A tiny spot of evil casts doubt on their good qualities and ruins their reputations. Signup and view all the answers

When the ghost appears before Hamlet, how is it dressed?

In armor. Signup and view all the answers

What two reasons does Hamlet give for not being afraid to follow the ghost?

He does not value his life and the ghost cannot endanger that. Signup and view all the answers

What does Horatio fear the ghost might do to Hamlet?

Horatio fears it may make him crazy. Signup and view all the answers

Who says, 'something is rotten in the state of Denmark'?

Marcellus. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'something is rotten in the state of Denmark' mean?

Something bad is going on in Denmark. Signup and view all the answers

Why, according to the Ghost, has he been doomed to walk the earth?

For sins he has committed in his past. Signup and view all the answers

What does the ghost want from Hamlet?

He wants revenge. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the ghost call his murder a 'most unnatural murder'?

He was poisoned by his brother Claudius. Signup and view all the answers

How does the ghost account for the behavior of his queen?

He blames it on his brother and his charm. Signup and view all the answers

Is the queen referred to as a radiant angel?

Yes. Signup and view all the answers

What has the queen's lust led to?

To having a union with garbage. Signup and view all the answers

Who is garbage according to King Hamlet?

Claudius. Signup and view all the answers

Is it a pun when the ghost says 'the whole ear of Denmark' was abused?

Yes, because his brother poured poison into his ear. Signup and view all the answers

What horrifies King Hamlet about being murdered in the blossoms of his sins?

He had no time to repent them. Signup and view all the answers

Name three crimes Claudius committed with the murder of King Hamlet.

Robbed his life, crown, and his queen. Signup and view all the answers

What does the ghost mean by the royal bed of Denmark has become a couch for luxury?

He lives a nice life, but is using that life for incest. Signup and view all the answers

What does the ghost command Hamlet regarding revenge on the queen?

Leave her to God and her own guilt. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the ghost feel it necessary to tell Hamlet to remember him?

When someone dies, it is easy to forget everything you had with them. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hamlet feel may occur in Denmark?

Turmoil. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the villain that may smile and be a villain?

King Claudius. Signup and view all the answers

Translate this: 'This is never a villain dwelling in all Denmark, but he is an arrant knave.'

Any villain in Denmark is going to be a villain. Signup and view all the answers

After the ghost has left, does Hamlet decide to carry out revenge right away or go pray?

He decides to go pray. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hamlet make the others swear to?

Do not ever tell anyone what you saw tonight. Signup and view all the answers

Translate this: 'There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.'

Hamlet is pointing out how little even the most educated people can explain. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hamlet mean when he says he is going to put on an antic disposition?

He is going to make himself seem crazy. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Act 1 Overview

Barnardo relieves Francisco of his watch at midnight.
Bernardo questions if the figure is the ghost that appeared previously.
The guard shift happens at midnight, emphasizing the eerie setting.

The Ghost and Its Significance

The apparition has not spoken to the guards; Marcellus thinks Horatio should communicate with it due to his education and friendship with Hamlet.
Horatio describes the ghost in the former King’s armor, hinting at its identity.
The ghost reveals that it is bound to walk the earth due to unconfessed sins.

Denmark's Political Climate

Young Fortinbras seeks to reclaim his father's lost territories after Hamlet's victory over Fortinbras.
Claudius is underestimating Fortinbras' resolve and seeks to pacify him through diplomacy.

Hamlet's Grief and Family Dynamics

Claudius refers to Hamlet’s prolonged mourning for his father, discouraging him from excessive grief.
Hamlet feels his mother's quick remarriage to Claudius is disrespectful and affected by her unresolved emotions towards his father.

Ophelia and Laertes' Concerns

Laertes warns Ophelia about Hamlet's affections, believing they may not be genuine due to his status.
Polonius advises Ophelia to stay away from Hamlet, suspecting his feelings to be insincere.

Themes of Madness and Revenge

Hamlet's “antic disposition” suggests he will feign madness to convey his true intentions undetected.
After the ghost's revelation, Hamlet instructs the others to keep the supernatural encounter secret, indicating the seriousness of revenge.

Powerful Imagery and Metaphors

References to the rotten state of Denmark underline corruption and moral decay.
The King's remark about "the whole ear of Denmark" highlights the treachery surrounding his death.

Hamlet's Internal Conflict

Hamlet struggles with suicidal thoughts, fearing it is a sin against God.
He feels aggrieved by the disrespect shown towards his father's memory, particularly by his mother's actions.

The Ghost's Instructions

The ghost demands vengeance against Claudius but instructs Hamlet to leave Gertrude’s punishment to her guilt.
This complex dynamic suggests themes of loyalty, morality, and the consequences of sin.

Final Revelations

Hamlet acknowledges the potential chaos in Denmark following the revelation of the ghost and Claudius' villainy.
He prepares to navigate both the emotional turmoil and the political intrigue of the court moving forward.

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Test your knowledge of Act 1 of Hamlet with these flashcards. Each question delves into key events and character interactions that set the stage for the rest of the play. Perfect for students preparing for their exams or anyone looking to brush up on Shakespeare's classic.

Hamlet Act 1 Study Guide Questions