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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 is Wagner successful in creating the homunculus in Scene II of Act II?

2. According to Mephistopheles, what must one possess to receive miracles?

3. What is the name of the prophetess that Chiron takes Faust to in Act II?

4. What event prompts Anaxagoras to believe he won the philosophical debate in Scene 3 of Act II?

5. Who is specifically told to remain behind in his study rather than travel with the homunculus to Walpurgis Night?

Short Essay Questions

1. What dichotomy is alluded to between the court of the emperor and the people of the kingdom in Scene 2?

2. Describe the pleasing landscape that Faust finds himself in at the beginning of this work (Act I).

3. Why is Mephistopheles unable to see into Faust's dreams?

4. What advice does Mephistopheles give to the young page who is having trouble attracting women in Act I?

5. What is symbolic about Faust's unconsciousness in the beginning of Act II?

6. How does Mephistopheles become the new fool to the emperor?

7. Describe Famulus's attitude towards learning and academic achievement.

8. What is a homunculus and how is it made?

9. In the philosophical debate featured in Scene 3 of Act II, what does Anaxagoras believe is the origin and basis of nature and matter?

10. Why is Mephistopheles upset that Faust tells the emperor he can conjure the spirits of Helen and Paris?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Faust, Part II Mephistopheles serves as an archetypal Devil character. Using specific example from the text identify how Goethe connotes the Devil archetype. Is it an effective connotation. Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the novel Faust's views of his purpose and striving change drastically; however, Mephistopheles views of his purpose remain somewhat the same. Discuss the dichotomy of how these view differ and how they reflect upon the character that holds them.

Essay Topic 3

A recurrent theme in Faust is that of power, and how characters desire or gain power. Compare and contrast the pursuit of power as exhibited by two different characters and how it either shifts throughout the novel or remains the same.

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This section contains 740 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample