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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. How do all the boys in Act 1, Scene 2 two know each other?

2. What is Wendla's mother doing to her daughter's dress in the beginning of the play?

3. According to the summary, who is raped in A Children's Tragedy?

4. In what way is the love between Moritz and Melchior described?

5. What excuse does Moritz give in order to escape the discussion about sex?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What are Melchior's beliefs about good deeds, as related to Wendla?

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

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

6. What is pointed out to Moritz in Act I, scene 4 that deflates his happiness?

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

8. What conflicts does Bentley discuss were essential to Wedekind during the writing of "Spring Awakening"? Why?

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

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

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

Compare and contrast the characters of Wendla and Ilse. How does knowledge affect both girls? How is Ilse freer than Wendla? Conversely, how is Wendla freer than Ilse? What is the significance of Wendla being raped and Ilse sleeping freely with her artists?

(see the answer keys)

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