"Hamlet" Scenes Trivia Quiz

Answer: Bernardo and Francisco

Bernardo and Francisco open the play with their guard scene. They are the first to see the ghost of Hamlet's father. They are trusted and held in regard by Hamlet, considering ghost sighting isn't that common an occurrence.

Answer: Polonius

Polonius seeks Hamlet out to determine if Hamlet is truly mad or simply acting out a pretense. Shakespeare shows his aptitude for subtle humor with this exchange, "What do you read, my lord?" "Words, words, words."

Hamlet delights in messing with the old man's brains in this scene by twisting and turning words and phrases during their exchange, making them so nonsensical they are logical.

Answer: Gertrude

While everyone seems happy about Claudius' and Gertrude's marriage, Hamlet is definitely not pleased. No wonder, considering it's only been about two months since his father has been buried. Queen mum Gertrude basically asks Hamlet to stop mourning and be happy for her, "to look like a friend upon Denmark."

This could also be a play on words since a "nighted color" is black, but sounds like a "knighted color" which would indicate Hamlet's position as prince.

Answer: Actors to perform a play

Players arrive at Elsinore, and Hamlet contrives a means of discovering if his uncle truly hides the guilt of murder. Hamlet has the players act out a short play which actually recreates how Hamlet's father died. Hamlet hopes to catch the expression on his uncle's face--one of guilty confession.

Answer: "Get thee to a nunnery!"

Moments after Hamlet delivers his famous fourth soliloquy, he and Ophelia meet. Torn by his true feelings for her, Hamlet nevertheless pushes her away, both figuratively and literally, and tells her he never loved her. Further insult is delivered by telling her she basically should never marry and would best to go join a convent. It's a rough scene, all the way around.

Answer: Hamlet

Claudius creates a fencing match between Laertes and Hamlet and Laetres tips the foil meant for Hamlet with poison. And if that doesn't get him then the poison-laced wine Claudius offers to Hamlet should do the trick. Unfortunately, Gertrude knowingly or unknowingly, depending on your interpretation, drinks the wine. Oops.

Answer: true

Laertes basically tells Ophelia that he doesn't think much of Hamlet, and that he believes Hamlet's attentions and intentions towards her are false. She roundly replies that he best not be a hypocrite by prescribing chaste behavior and then go off to have a grand time himself while in France.

Answer: Polonius

After the play-within-the play, Hamlet is sent for by his mother. The play offended Claudius and Gertrude wanted to express their displeasure over the play's content. However, Hamlet shows a backbone and takes his mother to task instead, to the point where she fears for her life.

When she cries out for help Polonius, hiding behind the tapestry, cries out as well. Hamlet stabs him, thinking perhaps it was Claudius spying on him.

Answer: England

The king sends Hamlet off to England with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern after the death of Polonius. The king hopes to keep Hamlet at a safe distance, but plans go awry and Hamlet makes his way back to Denmark just after Ophelia has died.

Answer: a captain

Hamlet comes across Fortinbras and his soldiers marching across a plain of Denmark on their way to invade Poland. It is certain death for the troops, yet in talking with the captain, Hamlet realizes the importance of upholding honor. He means to uphold the family honor and avenge his father's death and murder.