The First Folio, titled 'Mr. William Shakespeare's Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies', was published in 1623. Compiled by his fellow actors John Heminges and Henry Condell, this collection preserved 36 of his plays, many of which had not been printed before. It is considered one of the most influential books in the history of English literature, as it established the canon of his dramatic works.

Macduff flees to England to seek aid from Malcolm and the English forces. It is while he is in England that Ross arrives to inform him of the brutal murder of his wife and children by Macbeth's agents, which serves as the catalyst for his final confrontation.

While Hamlet is famously an intellectual and a philosopher, the provided answer key identifies him as a passionate lover. This likely refers to his complex and intense, albeit troubled, relationship with Ophelia. Critics often debate the nature of his love, but within the context of this specific multiple-choice question, the focus is placed on his capacity for passion as a defining, if volatile, trait of his character.

Polonius dispatches his servant, Reynaldo, to Paris with instructions to observe Laertes' behavior and inquire about his reputation among the local community. This action highlights Polonius's manipulative and suspicious nature, as he is willing to use espionage to maintain control over his children's conduct. It serves as a subplot that emphasizes the pervasive atmosphere of surveillance and distrust within the play.

Historical records regarding Shakespeare's 'lost years' suggest he arrived in London and began his theatrical career during this period. By 1592, he was already established enough to be criticized by Robert Greene in 'A Groatsworth of Wit', confirming his active presence in the London stage scene by that time.