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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 Martha attempting to do with Mephistopheles in "A Garden"?

2. What promise does Mephistopheles extract from Faust before taking him to meet Gretchen?

3. What does Gretchen pray for in "By a Shrine Inside the Town Wall, Night"?

4. Why does Gretchen say she no longer has in "A Prison"?

5. To which author do the characters in the chapter "A Walpurgis Night's Dream" belong?

Short Essay Questions

1. What comprises Valentine's final moments alive?

2. Discuss the significance of Gretchen fearing Mephistopheles at the end of the play.

3. Why is Gretchen unable to recognize Faust when he comes to her in prison?

4. What agreement does Faust and Mephistopheles come to when the former discovers that Gretchen had been pregnant and is now in prison and why?

5. Why is Gretchen praying to the Virgin Mary?

6. What does Faust fear in regards to his relationship with Gretchen about Mephistopheles?

7. How does Valentine react to Gretchen's plight, as well as the presence of Faust?

8. What leads up to Faust pledging his love to Gretchen?

9. Describe Martha and Mephistopheles's interactions in "A Garden."

10. What is "A Walpurgis Night's Dream" and what purpose does it serve?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In a brief essay, discuss the roles of magic and witchcraft in "Faust." Develop a clear thesis statement and cite specific examples from the text to support your answers. Points that should be considered in this essay include (but not exclusively) the following: Faust's dabbling with magic, "A Witch's Kitchen," the celebration of Walpurgis Night, and Mephistopheles. Be sure to consider the symbolism behind these sections, as well as how magic and witchcraft help develop certain characters and themes within the play.

Essay Topic 2

Write a brief essay about "Faust" as both a comedy and a tragedy in the following format:

Part 1) Definitions of comedy and tragedy.

Part 2) The tragic element of "Faust."

Part 3) The characterizations of "Faust."

Part 4) The comedic scenes.

Part 5) The satire and parodies found in "Faust."

Be sure to end the essay with a reiteration of your own conclusions on this question, and cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

What is a "faustian bargain"? How is this used in everyday language? How does it relate to "Faust?" What is significant about the fact that this term has entered the vernacular in regards to the importance of the play itself on society? What does this suggest about not only Goethe's intent in writing this play, but about the character of Faust and his situation?

(see the answer keys)

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