ACT III - Scene IV Quiz — Hamlet

Why is Polonius hiding behind the arras at the beginning of Act III, Scene IV?

• He is afraid Hamlet will attack him
• He is spying on Hamlet's conversation with Gertrude at Claudius's instruction
• He is waiting to surprise Hamlet with good news
• He is trying to escape from the castle undetected

Who does Hamlet believe he is killing when he stabs through the arras?

• Polonius
• Laertes
• King Claudius
• Horatio

In the portrait comparison, which mythological figures does Hamlet use to describe his father?

• Apollo, Neptune, Hercules, and Athena
• Hyperion, Jove, Mars, and Mercury
• Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, and Ares
• Achilles, Odysseus, Ajax, and Hector

Why does the Ghost appear in the closet scene?

• To reveal new information about Claudius's crimes
• To frighten Gertrude into confessing
• To sharpen Hamlet's "almost blunted purpose" and urge him to comfort Gertrude
• To warn Hamlet that Claudius is approaching

How does Gertrude react when the Ghost appears?

• She faints immediately
• She sees the Ghost and screams
• She cannot see or hear the Ghost and believes Hamlet is mad
• She recognizes the Ghost and begs for forgiveness

What does Hamlet ask Gertrude to do at the end of the scene?

• Flee Denmark with him immediately
• Confess Claudius's crimes to the court
• Avoid Claudius's bed and keep Hamlet's feigned madness secret
• Write a letter to the King of England

What does Hamlet mean when he says he will be "hoist with his own petar"?

• He expects to be lifted up in celebration
• He fears being trapped by his own plan
• He plans to turn Rosencrantz and Guildenstern's plot against them
• He intends to use explosives to escape England

How does Hamlet describe himself after killing Polonius?

• A tragic victim of fate
• Heaven's "scourge and minister"
• A coward who acted rashly
• An innocent bystander

Which of these events actually happened in this chapter?

In the closet scene, what is an "arras"?

• A type of sword used in duels
• A large tapestry hung on a wall
• A private room in a castle
• A kind of poison

When Gertrude uses the word "ecstasy" to describe Hamlet's behavior, what does she mean?

• Extreme joy and happiness
• A religious trance
• Madness or being beside oneself
• Deep sorrow and grief

What does "unction" mean when Hamlet says "Lay not that flattering unction to your soul"?

• A legal contract
• A prayer or blessing
• An ointment or soothing salve
• A curse or hex