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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. In the Act II, Scene 2, what event has occurred within Wendla's family?

2. According to Melchior in Act II, Scene 4, what does not exist?

3. What drink does Melchior's mother bring to Moritz and Melchior in Act II, Scene 1?

4. What are the reform school boys trying to ejaculate onto?

5. Mr. Gabor shows his wife a letter from Melchior in the third scene of Act III.III, Scene 3. Who is it addressed to?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe what happens in the hayloft when Wendla first enters.

2. Why does Hanschen claim he needs to destroy the picture? How does this represent the views of the town?

3. What is the argument between Melchior's parents after Moritz's death?

4. What game does Melchior initially not participate in at reform school? Why does he change his mind?

5. Why does Melchior consider suicide in the final scene of the play?

6. How does Mrs. Bergmann explain sex to Wendla after Ina has a baby?

7. What is significant about the singer Moritz thinks about in Act II, scene 7?

8. Describe Ilsa's life.

9. Why does Moritz believe he will be promoted to the next grade based off his discussion with Melchior in Act II, scene 3?

10. Describe Moritz's story to Melchior.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is satire? How does Wedekind use it in Spring Awakening: A Children's Tragedy? What is the purpose of presenting satire in the midst of a realistic play? How does this satire (specifically, the scene in which Melchior is expelled) contrast with the rest of the play? Some points to be considered:

- The arguments amongst the professors.

- The names of the professors.

- Mrs. Gabor and Stickeytongue's defense of Melchior.

- The realistic portrayal of the students amongst the professors.

Essay Topic 2

How are the adults portrayed in this play? To what purpose are they lampooned? How is the character of Mrs. Gabor used to show the power of adults and the consequences of misunderstanding their children? Is Mrs. Bergmann meant to be a sympathetic character? Why or why not? How does Moritz's father represent the majority of the adults in this play? Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

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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