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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In what decade did Wedekind write A Children's Tragedy?
(a) 1890s.
(b) 1870s.
(c) 1900s.
(d) 1880s.

2. Where does Moritz sneak to in Act 1, Scene 4?
(a) Church.
(b) Melchior's house.
(c) His teacher's house.
(d) The faculty room.

3. In the introduction, what is NOT one of the mentioned allusions in the play?
(a) Brecht.
(b) Faust.
(c) Goethe.
(d) The Bible.

4. According to the other boys, whose name is still on the list for consideration to be promoted?
(a) Gunther.
(b) Melchior.
(c) Ernst Robel.
(d) Hanschel.

5. While Wedekind wrote his play, what were people questioning?
(a) Wedekind's writing style.
(b) The father's authority.
(c) The censoring of theater and literature.
(d) War.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Moritz feel about his dreams?

2. In what country does A Children's Tragedy take place?

3. What errand has Wendla been sent on in Act 1, Scene 5?

4. Why did Martha, after being punished for the ribbon, come back inside?

5. What is Thanatos according to Bentley?

Short Essay Questions

1. What thought does Wendla have that offends her mother? Where does it come from?

2. Describe Martha's parents.

3. What startling admission does Moritz give in Act I, Scene 4? Why?

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

5. What is the purpose of the Moritat in the introduction?

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

7. Why did Martha's parents rip her nightgown from her?

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

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

10. Why was this play frequently repressed after the initial publication?

(see the answer keys)

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