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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In the introduction, what is NOT one of the mentioned allusions in the play?

2. What is Wendla's mother doing to her daughter's dress in the beginning of the play?

3. What favor does Moritz ask of Melchior in Act 1, Scene 2?

4. In what form does the play begin?

5. Why does Wendla complain about her new dress?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Mrs. Bergmann concerned about Wendla's old dress?

2. What does Moritz do in Act I, Scene 4 that nearly gets him in trouble? Why?

3. How do Mrs. Bergmann and Wendla deal with the girl's maturation in Act I, Scene 1?

4. What are some of the main philosophical influences and allusions in A Children's Tragedy?

5. What does Moritz believe is the purpose of his school's exams?

6. Describe the main theme of one of the characters that is pointed out as being a philosophy of Goethe.

7. What is pointed out to Moritz in Act I, scene 4 that deflates his happiness?

8. What is Wendla's attitude about her old dress and new dress in the beginning of the play?

9. What event does Bentley claim influence Wedekind? Why?

10. According to the summary in the introduction, what will happen to Melchior?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the following topics to write about:

- Mrs. Bergmann's explanation on pregnancy.

- The contrast of the pastor's sermon at Moritz's funeral and the girls bringing his grave flowers.

- "Copulation."

Essay Topic 2

Choose one of the following topics to write about:

- Discuss Hanschen's relationship with "Venus."

- Discuss Ilse's story of the artist who kept threatening to kill her.

- Discuss the names of the professors.

Essay Topic 3

Upon publication, Spring Awakening: A Children's Tragedy was frequently suppressed, censored, or outright banned in several countries. Discuss the history of this play's production in the following format:

Part 1) Wedekind's troubles in the writing and publishing of this play.

Part 2) Critical reaction.

Part 3) The play during the World Wars.

Part 4) Censored publications.

Part 5) First American performance.

Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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