Act I Scene II Test - Brenda Hadley | Laabri | Nneɛma a ɛma wotumi yɛ ade

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1. Part A: What is King Claudius’ main argument for why Hamlet should stop mourning his father? (DOK 2 )

A. It is unnatural for a son to mourn too long.

B. King Hamlet was not a very good ruler.

C. Denmark is at war, so mourning is unwise.

D. He should be happy his father is in a better place.

RL.9-10.3

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1. Part B: Which of the following lines best supports the answer to Part A? (DOK 2 )

A. "’Tis unmanly grief; It shows a will most incorrect to heaven."

B. "You must know, your father lost a father."

C. "Our state to be disjoint and out of frame."

D. "With mirth in funeral and with dirge in marriage."

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2. Part A: How does Hamlet react to his mother’s quick remarriage? (DOK 3)

A. He is indifferent and distracted.

B. He is disgusted and resentful.

C. He is accepting but heartbroken.

D. He is furious and vengeful.

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2. Part B: Which quote best supports the answer to Part A? (DOK 3)

A. "A little month, or ere those shoes were old."

B. "To do obsequious sorrow. But to persever."

C. "I shall in all my best obey you, madam."

D. "I am too much i’ the sun."

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3. Part A: What does Hamlet mean when he says, "Frailty, thy name is woman!"? (DOK 3 – RL.10.4)

A. Women are physically weak.

B. His mother is emotionally fragile.

C. Women are naturally untrustworthy.

D. His mother has moved on too quickly.

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3. Part B: Which line provides the best evidence for the meaning of Hamlet’s words? (DOK 3)

A. "A beast that wants discourse of reason would have mourned longer."

B. "O, most wicked speed, to post with such dexterity to incestuous sheets!"

C. "But break, my heart, for I must hold my tongue."

D. "It is not nor it cannot come to good."

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4. Part A: What theme is developed through Hamlet’s soliloquy in this scene? (DOK 3)

A. The dangers of ambition

B. The inevitability of fate

C. Corruption and moral decay

D. The burden of leadership

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4. Part B: Which quote best supports the theme from Part A? (DOK 4)

A. "How weary, stale, flat, and unprofitable seem to me all the uses of this world!"

B. "The funeral baked meats did coldly furnish forth the marriage tables."

C. "Something is rotten in the state of Denmark."

D. "Our sometime sister, now our queen."

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5. How does Claudius justify his marriage to Gertrude? (DOK 2)

A. He believes it will strengthen the throne.

B. He is deeply in love with her.

C. Hamlet gave his blessing.

D. He wants to make Hamlet king.

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6. What literary device is present in "O, that this too too sullied flesh would melt"? (DOK 3)

A. Metaphor

B. Alliteration

C. Simile

D. Hyperbole

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7. Which best describes Hamlet’s tone in this scene? (DOK 3)

A. Humorous and sarcastic

B. Melancholy and bitter

C. Hopeful and forgiving

D. Indifferent and aloof

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8. What does Claudius mean by "madness in great ones must not unwatched go"? (DOK 3)

A. Hamlet is mentally ill.

B. Hamlet might be dangerous.

C. Hamlet should take a break.

D. Great men are always watched.

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9. Why does Claudius disapprove of Hamlet’s mourning? (DOK 2) Choose two.

It makes Claudius look bad.

He believes grief is unmanly.

Hamlet is plotting against him.

He wants Hamlet to be happy.

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10. Which two statements best explain Hamlet’s conflict in this scene? (DOK 3) Choose two.

He wants revenge but is unsure how.

He is disgusted by his mother’s actions.

He is happy for Claudius and Gertrude.

He wants to return to school in Wittenberg.

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11. How does Claudius’ speech use rhetoric to persuade the court that he is a rightful king? (DOK 4)

A. He appeals to emotion and logic.

B. He threatens Hamlet with exile.

C. He offers gold to his supporters.

D. He avoids discussing King Hamlet.

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12. How does Shakespeare use contrast in Hamlet’s and Claudius’ speeches? (DOK 4)

A. Claudius is logical, Hamlet is emotional.

B. Both characters are equally mournful.

C. Hamlet uses comedy, Claudius uses poetry.

D. Their speeches have identical tones.

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Prompt:
In Hamlet Act I, Scene II, Shakespeare presents conflicting perspectives on grief and duty through the characters of Hamlet and Claudius. In a three-paragraph response, analyze how Hamlet and Claudius express their views on mourning and responsibility. Use textual evidence to support your response.
Scoring Criteria:
Paragraph 1: Clearly explains Claudius’ viewpoint on grief and duty.
Paragraph 2: Clearly explains Hamlet’s viewpoint on grief and duty.
Paragraph 3: Compares and contrasts their perspectives, drawing conclusions about what Shakespeare might be revealing about leadership or human nature.
Uses at least two pieces of textual evidence.
Demonstrates clear organization, strong analysis, and logical reasoning.