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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. Brecht states that knowledge is just _____.

2. What is the name of Peter Lorre's character, the packer in Mann ist Mann?

3. The organization of this book is _____.

4. How did Brecht characterize Shaw's work in "A Catching Infection: Fun"?

5. What does Brecht say was a characteristic of actors in theatre of his time?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Wedekind present his last work, Herakles?

2. What was the function of the big canvas at the back of the stage in the production of Die Mutter?

3. Why does Brecht write that there is nothing at all new about epic theater?

4. What is the distinction between learning and amusing oneself in the theatre?

5. Why does Brecht use the example of 'leave-taking' in "A Dialogue about Acting" and what does he mean by it?

6. In the editor's opinion, in what way did Brecht's ideas on theatre evolve?

7. What has the translation tried to convey?

8. How does Brecht define a scapegoat and who incurs the wrath the most in theatre?

9. What does Brecht say about the mediocrity of German theatre?

10. How did Brecht feel about the role of singing in epic theatre?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare Brecht's impression of Chinese theatre to Stanislavski's acting techniques. Which style is more effective in the presentation of Brecht's ideals? Why? Does he give credit to the other style? How?

Essay Topic 2

Explain Brecht's analysis of opera in terms of story, intent, and musical expression. What does he suggest about 'old' opera? What does he say about its history and traditions? What conclusion does he come to about the viability of opera in the modern world?

Essay Topic 3

Describe Brecht's philosophy of sport as entertainment to theatre. Why is one more popular than the other?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 636 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample