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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. Why does Hanschen reason that he must destroy the painting?

2. How does Hanschen feel about the painting?

3. How does Melchior plan to escape from the reformatory?

4. What does Ilsa do in lieu of going to school?

5. What does Hanschen do to the image while in the bathroom?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe Wendla's mood and thoughts in Act II, scene 6.

3. Describe the scene between Ernst and Hanschel.

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

5. How does Hanschen deal with his burgeoning sexual desires?

6. What game does Melchior initially not participate in at reform school? Why does he change his mind?

7. What is the argument between Melchior's parents after Moritz's death?

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

9. Why does Moritz believe he will be promoted to the next grade based off his discussion with Melchior in Act II, scene 3?

10. What advice and favor does Mrs. Gabor offer to Moritz?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How are the adults portrayed in this play? To what purpose are they lampooned? How is the character of Mrs. Gabor used to show the power of adults and the consequences of misunderstanding their children? Is Mrs. Bergmann meant to be a sympathetic character? Why or why not? How does Moritz's father represent the majority of the adults in this play? Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

Early in the play, Moritz says, "Melchior, don't you also think that man's sense of shame is just a product of his education?" One of the themes of this play deals with the enforced ignorance of the younger generation and the natural ignorance of the adults. Write an essay about the use of ignorance in this play as it relates to Moritz's statement in the following format:

Part 1) Discuss Mrs. Bergmann's insistence on keeping Wendla innocent.

Part 2) Discuss the adults being unaware of Moritz's torment and Wendla's pregnancy.

Part 3) Discuss the ignorance of nearly all the students about sex and pregnancy.

Part 4) Discuss the reaction Melchior's knowledge of sex has on the adults.

Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

Pick one of the following topics to write about:

- The father-son dynamic of both the playwright and the play.

- Eros and Thanatos.

- Expressionism and Realism in Spring Awakening: A Children's Tragedy.

(see the answer keys)

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