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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 happened to the play after it was first printed?

2. In what form does the play begin?

3. Because of the objectionable content of the play, what did Wedekind have to do for the play to be printed?

4. According to the masked man, what is morality?

5. What was the result of Wedekind's conflicts while writing?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the introduction of this play describe Eros and Thanatos?

2. Why does Moritz not want to listen to Melchior's explanations about sex?

3. Why is this play described as "coming-of-age?"

4. Describe Martha's parents.

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

6. What event does Bentley claim influence Wedekind? Why?

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

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

9. How does this play fit into both genres of expressionism and realism?

10. What happened to "Spring Awakening" in America after publication? Why?

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

Choose one of the following topics to write about:

- Discuss the abuse of Martha.

- Discuss Mrs. Gabor's letter to Moritz.

- Discuss Wendla's love of being a girl versus Martha and Thea's preference to have been born men.

Essay Topic 3

Upon publication, Spring Awakening: A Children's Tragedy was frequently suppressed, censored, or outright banned in several countries. Discuss the history of this play's production in the following format:

Part 1) Wedekind's troubles in the writing and publishing of this play.

Part 2) Critical reaction.

Part 3) The play during the World Wars.

Part 4) Censored publications.

Part 5) First American performance.

Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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