View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. Despite the complexity of A Children's Tragedy what striking aspect is the most widely known about this play?

3. What does Melchior tell Wendla about his belief in people who enjoy doing charity work?

4. According to Bentley's analysis, who may NOT be the masked figure at the end of the play?

5. What does Moritz believe about why students will flunk out of their class?

Short Essay Questions

1. According to Bentley, what are some possible identities of the masked man at the end of the play?

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

3. What are some of the ways this play was censored in re-prints?

4. How was "Spring Awakening" treated in Germany during both World Wars?

5. What is Wendla's attitude about her old dress and new dress in the beginning of the play?

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

7. What appears to be a key difference between Melchior and Moritz in their first scene together?

8. Why does Wendla fantasize about being beaten? How does she handle it?

9. In the introduction, why is this play deemed as widely disliked by feminists?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 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)

This section contains 1,180 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample