Hamlet, Part 7: Plot and Character – Flashcards
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In Shakespeare's Hamlet, what plot event causes Ophelia's mental decline?
King Hamlet's ghostly visit
Hamlet's theatrical production
Polonius's violent death
Claudius's scheming against Hamlet
answer
C
question
In Act IV of Hamlet, why does Shakespeare include the plot event in which Horatio reads and reacts to Hamlet's letter about an encounter with pirates?
to establish Hamlet's humility in defeat
to establish Hamlet's preoccupation with revenge
to establish Horatio's steadfast loyalty to Hamlet
to establish Horatio's cunning motives
answer
C
question
Hamlet stages a performance about a murder to discern Claudius's guilt. This is part of Hamlet's
exposition.
rising action.
climax.
falling action.
answer
B
question
Laertes returns to Denmark to confront Claudius about his father's death. This is part of the plot's
rising action.
climax.
falling action.
resolution.
answer
A
question
Claudius: Follow her close; give her good watch, I pray you. [Exit HORATIO.]
O! this is the poison of deep grief; it springs
All from her father's death. O Gertrude, Gertrude!
When sorrows come, they come not single spies,
But in battalions. First, her father slain;
Next, your son gone; but he most violent author
Of his own just remove: the people muddied,
Thick and unwholesome in their thoughts and whispers,
For good Polonius' death; and we have done but greenly,
In hugger-mugger to inter him: poor Ophelia
Divided from herself and her fair judgment,
Without the which we are pictures, or mere beasts
How does the excerpt reveal character development?
Claudius exhibits sincere mourning for his friend Polonius.
Claudius exhibits sensitivity toward Ophelia and regret for his actions.
Claudius shows his resolve to help Ophelia by suggesting medical attention.
Claudius shows his regret for previous behavior by seeking forgiveness
answer
B
question
Claudius: Where are my Switzers? Let them guard the door.
What is the matter?
Gentleman: Save yourself, my lord;
The ocean, overpeering of his list,
Eats not the flats with more impetuous haste
Than young Laertes, in a riotous head,
O'erbears your officers. The rabble call him lord;
And, as the world were now but to begin,
Antiquity forgot, custom not known,
The ratifiers and props of every word,
They cry, 'Choose we; Laertes shall be king!'
Caps, hands, and tongues, applaud it to the clouds,
'Laertes shall be king, Laertes king!'
Which statement best describes how this plot event shapes Claudius?
Laertes's arrival renders Claudius remorseful and contrite.
Laertes's popular support increases Claudius's insecurities.
Laertes's chaotic entrance makes Claudius become violent.
Laertes's demands prompt Claudius to change his politics.
answer
B
question
Ophelia:
Larded with 'sweet flower;
Which bewept to the grave did go
With true-love showers.
Claudius: How do you, pretty lady?
Ophelia: Well, God 'ild you! They say the owl was a baker's daughter. Lord! we know what we are, but know not what we may be. God be at your table!
Which words describe Ophelia in the excerpt? Check all that apply.
muddled
controlling
illogical
deceitful
melancholy
answer
1,3&5
question
Which word best describes Laertes in Act IV of Hamlet?
disciplined
passionate
humble
clever
answer
B
question
Which statement best describes Gertrude's development between Act I and Act IV?
She becomes less tolerant of young people's behavior.
She becomes more romantic about her husband.
She becomes less confident in her assertions.
She becomes more interested in politics.
answer
C
question
Ophelia:
Larded with 'sweet flower;
Which bewept to the grave did go
With true-love showers.
Claudius: How do you, pretty lady?
Ophelia: Well, God 'ild you! They say the owl was a baker's daughter. Lord! we know what we are, but know not what we may be. God be at your table!
How does the excerpt reveal Ophelia's character development?
She has become more romantic.
She expresses an increased religious devotion.
She has lost her ability to think logically.
She is plotting revenge for her father's death
answer
C