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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. Why does Melchior try to force Wendla to leave him alone when she comes looking for him in Act II, Scene 4?

2. Why does Moritz claim to appear to Melchior at the end of the play?

3. Where does the last scene of the play take place?

4. What explanation does Mrs. Bergmann give to Wendla's question in Act II, Scene 2?

5. How does Hanschen feel about the painting?

Short Essay Questions

1. What philosophy does Melchior claim to believe? What action follows in the hayloft?

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

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

4. What is significant about Melchior's letter to Wendla?

5. Describe Ilsa's life.

6. How does Hanschen deal with his burgeoning sexual desires?

7. How does Mrs. Bergmann attempt to defend herself from Wendla's anger in Act III, scene 8?

8. What favor has Moritz asked of Mrs. Gabor? What does he admit to her?

9. Why do the professors want to expel Melchior from school?

10. Describe Wendla's mood and thoughts in Act II, scene 6.

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

Choose one of the following topics to write about:

- Discuss Hanschen's relationship with "Venus."

- Discuss Ilse's story of the artist who kept threatening to kill her.

- Discuss the names of the professors.

Essay Topic 3

What is the purpose of the masked man? How do Moritz and Melchior react to him? What are some of the man's possible identities? What does he claim about his relationships to Moritz and Melchior? What is the significance of Melchior leaving with the masked man at the end of the play? Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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