Hamlet Reading between the lines Quiz
Hamlet by William Shakespeare · 7 multiple-choice questions with answers · about 6 min
Test your knowledge of Hamlet with 7 reading between the lines questions with answers and explanations — why things happen and what the text implies. Ideal for revision once you have read the whole play.
Why things happen and what the text implies. Drawn from the whole play — contains spoilers.
Skills tested: Inference · Difficulty: Standard, Challenge
Hamlet Reading between the lines questions
The answers and an explanation for each question appear as you play, and on the answer-key page of the printout.
- Why does Laertes warn Ophelia not to trust Hamlet's attentions?
As a prince, he cannot freely choose his wife · He suspects Hamlet of plotting against the King · He has promised Ophelia to a friend in France · He believes Hamlet is already mad with grief
- Hamlet tells his schoolfellows he is 'but mad north-north-west'. What is he hinting?
He is mad only when the wind blows from the sea · He means to sail north to England soon · He fears the Ghost will return from the north · His madness is partly a pose he controls
- Why does Hamlet ask the players to perform The Murder of Gonzago with a speech he will insert?
To shame his mother in front of the court · To win Polonius's trust with an evening's sport · To test the Ghost's story on Claudius's face · To prove his sanity to Ophelia and her father
- What does Claudius's couplet after Hamlet leaves reveal that Hamlet never learns?
He had seen Hamlet standing behind him · He had resolved to confess to the court · He had not truly been able to pray · He had decided to give up the crown
- Why does Claudius tell Laertes they cannot bring Hamlet to an open trial?
Hamlet has proof of the old King's murder · The people love Hamlet, and so does the Queen · Fortinbras would invade to defend him · The law forbids trying a prince of the blood
- Why does the dying Laertes confess the plot to Hamlet?
The poisoned blade has turned on him too · He hopes Hamlet will spare his life · He wants Fortinbras to take the throne · He has learned Claudius drowned Ophelia
- Before the play scene, what tells the audience that Claudius is guilty?
A letter that Horatio intercepts at the gate · An aside admitting his conscience is lashed · A confession to Gertrude in their chamber · Polonius's report of his troubled nightmares
More Hamlet practice: all Hamlet quizzes · characters quiz · themes quiz · plot recall quiz · read Hamlet free
Act and scene numbers follow the standard modern edition (e.g. Folger). Hamlet's Act IV, Scene iv soliloquy appears in the Second Quarto, which modern classroom editions include.
Original questions written for Pagine. Quotations are from the public-domain text.
Frequently asked questions
Is this Hamlet Reading between the lines quiz free?
Yes. All 7 questions are free with answers and explanations. Play online with instant feedback, or print it as a test with an answer key — no sign-up needed.
What does the Hamlet Reading between the lines quiz cover?
7 reading between the lines questions drawn from every part of Hamlet. Why things happen and what the text implies. It tests inference at standard, challenge level.
Does it contain spoilers?
Yes — it draws on the whole play, including the ending.
Can I use it with a class?
Yes. Print it with the answer key for a reading check, homework or revision lesson, or share the link so students can take it online.
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