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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. Despite thinking of Melchior, what does Moritz resolve to do?

2. After he tells Melchior his story, how does Moritz summarize his feelings?

3. Who is the headmaster of Melchior's school?

4. According to Mrs. Gabor, what favor is she unable to perform for Moritz?

5. Why is Moritz devastated in Act II, Scene 5?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What are the different explanations given for Wendla's illness? What is the actual diagnosis?

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

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

5. What claims does the masked man make to Melchior and Moritz?

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

7. Describe Ilsa's life.

8. Why is Mrs. Gabor concerned about Moritz and Melchior reading Faust? How is this significant?

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

10. How does Rentier Stiefel react to Moritz's death?

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

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.

Essay Topic 3

Choose one of the following topics to write about:

- Mrs. Bergmann's explanation on pregnancy.

- The contrast of the pastor's sermon at Moritz's funeral and the girls bringing his grave flowers.

- "Copulation."

(see the answer keys)

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