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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. What is revealed as the actual cause of Wendla's death?

2. What drink does Melchior's mother bring to Moritz and Melchior in Act II, Scene 1?

3. According to Melchior in Act II, Scene 4, what does not exist?

4. What question does Wendla demand an answer for from her mother in Act II, Scene 2?

5. Mr. Gabor shows his wife a letter from Melchior in the third scene of Act III.III, Scene 3. Who is it addressed to?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Moritz commit suicide at the end of Act II?

2. Why does her sister having a child come as such a surprise to Wendla?

3. Why do the professors want to expel Melchior from school?

4. Describe Moritz's story to Melchior.

5. What does Ilsa reveal to Martha at Moritz's grave?

6. Why does Melchior consider suicide in the final scene of the play?

7. What are the different explanations given for Wendla's illness? What is the actual diagnosis?

8. How does Mrs. Bergmann explain sex to Wendla after Ina has a baby?

9. Why is Mrs. Gabor concerned about Moritz and Melchior reading Faust? How is this significant?

10. Describe Ilsa's life.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Melchior and Moritz are the two central characters of Spring Awakening: A Children's Tragedy. Their relationship is central to the plot and provides much of the dramatic tension and tragedies of the piece.

- Compare and contrast Melchior and Moritz.

- Discuss Melchior's protectiveness of Moritz and how Moritz looks up to his friend.

- Discuss the masked man's reactions and analysis of both boys.

Cite specific examples from the text to support your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the meaning of the title Spring Awakening: A Children's Tragedy.Points to consider include the implications of the season of "spring" being used, the contradictory nature of the main title and subtitle, and the purpose of this specifically being a "children's tragedy."

Essay Topic 3

What is satire? How does Wedekind use it in Spring Awakening: A Children's Tragedy? What is the purpose of presenting satire in the midst of a realistic play? How does this satire (specifically, the scene in which Melchior is expelled) contrast with the rest of the play? Some points to be considered:

- The arguments amongst the professors.

- The names of the professors.

- Mrs. Gabor and Stickeytongue's defense of Melchior.

- The realistic portrayal of the students amongst the professors.

(see the answer keys)

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