AP Lit Practice Questions on Hamlet: Test Your Knowledge

📚 Topic Summary

William Shakespeare's Hamlet is a cornerstone of English literature, exploring themes of revenge, madness, morality, and political corruption. This worksheet provides AP Literature students with opportunities to test their comprehension of key vocabulary, plot points, and critical analysis related to the play. Understanding Hamlet requires grappling with complex language and nuanced character motivations. This activity will help reinforce learning and prepare for exams.

📝 Part A: Vocabulary

Match the term with its correct definition:

1. Term: Soliloquy
2. Term: Aside
3. Term: Hamartia
4. Term: Catharsis
5. Term: Peripeteia

1. Definition: A sudden reversal of fortune or change in circumstances.
2. Definition: A speech given by a character alone on stage, revealing their thoughts.
3. Definition: The purging of emotions, such as pity or fear, that the audience experiences.
4. Definition: A character's tragic flaw or error in judgment.
5. Definition: A remark by a character in a play that is intended to be heard by the audience but unheard by the other characters in the play.

✍️ Part B: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the following paragraph with the missing words:

Hamlet is a tragedy centered around Prince Hamlet's quest to _______ his father's death. He suspects his _______, Claudius, of committing the murder to seize the _______ and marry Hamlet's mother, _______. Throughout the play, Hamlet feigns _______ to investigate Claudius and struggles with questions of _______ and revenge. His famous "To be or not to be" _______ reflects his contemplation of life and death.

Word Bank: Gertrude, revenge, Claudius, madness, throne, soliloquy, morality

🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking

How does the theme of appearance versus reality contribute to the overall tragedy of Hamlet? Provide examples from the play to support your answer.