View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Faust's reaction to the chorus of spirits in the first scene called "Faust's Study?"

2. What holiday is being celebrated in "Outside the Town Wall"?

3. What does Mephistopheles claim happened to Martha's husband?

4. What does Wagner interrupt when he comes to see Faust in "Night?"

5. What are Mephistopheles and Faust contemplating at the end of "A Street"?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Faust's crisis during "Night" and "Outside the Town Wall."

2. In the "Dedication," why is Goethe so wistful?

3. Describe the bargain between Faust and Mephistopheles.

4. Describe the steps taken to make Faust appear younger.

5. Why is the witch in a bad mood when she finally appears to Faust and Mephistopheles?

6. What leads up to Faust's suicide attempt and what stops him?

7. For what reasons does the director decide that the audience should experience a journey from heaven to hell in this play?

8. What does Mephistopheles suggest to Gretchen about marriage and why?

9. Describe the differing opinions of Gretchen, her mother, and Martha about the mysterious jewels.

10. Describe Faust and Wagner's relationship.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the use of symbolism in "Faust" in the following format:

Part 1) The Easter celebration.

Part 2) The black poodle.

Part 3) The "crowning" of Mephistopheles in "A Witch's Kitchen."

Part 4) The jewels.

Part 5) Flowers.

Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

What is meta-theater? How is meta-theater used in "Faust"? Describe the scene or scenes in which this concept is present and how it affects the characters. What purpose does it serve, and how does it frame the rest of the play? Does it alter the mood of the play at all? If so, how? How do these moments of meta-theater change the readers perceptions of the play?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the role of irony in "Faust." Define the term and use several passages from the text to illustrate these ideas. Suggestions of examples from the text include the following: Faust's first encounter with Mephistopheles falling on Easter, Faust's choice of pursuing Gretchen, Valentine's name, and the notion that Mephistopheles recognizes the greed and hypocrisy of the church. Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 991 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample