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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. What is Faust's title?

2. After their pact is signed, what doubts does Faust voice to Mephistopheles?

3. What does Wagner mistakenly believe about the noises he hears from Faust in "Night"?

4. After he drinks the potion, what does Faust want to do?

5. What does Mephistopheles explain to Faust about Gretchen's mother in "A Promenade"?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe the actions of the baboons in "A Witch's Kitchen."

3. What happens when Mephistopheles and Faust go to the tavern in Leipzig?

4. What primary function does the clown serve during "Prelude on the Stage"?

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

6. How does the poodle behave before transforming into Mephistopheles?

7. Describe the bargain between Faust and Mephistopheles.

8. What does Gretchen admit out loud to herself while she is alone during "Evening"?

9. How does Faust feel about the mystery girl he sees in the mirror and in the street?

10. Why does Faust decide to try witchcraft in his first scene?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What purposes do the scenes entitled "Walpurgis Night" and "A Walpurgis Night's Dream" serve in this play? Discuss this in the following format:

Part 1) Allusions to Greek mythology, the Bible, and other works of literature.

Part 2) Faust's uneasiness at the celebration.

Part 3) The vision of Gretchen in relation to the purpose of Walpurgis Night.

Part 4) Mephistopheles's reactions to being amongst his people.

Part 5) The absurdities of the humans.

Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

What significance does the Easter holiday play in "Faust"? How do the hymnals affect the titular character and why? What are some connotations associated with Easter that can be applied, literally or ironically, to "Faust"? How does the Easter celebration reveal Faust's deep insecurities and regrets in life? Discuss these ideas in an essay (do not limit yourself to simply answering these questions). Develop a clear thesis statement and cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

How do characters in "Faust" use manipulation to their own advantage? How does Mephistopheles manage to manipulate every human he comes into contact with and why? How does Faust himself manipulate Gretchen? What are the consequences of these manipulations? Why is it significant that Faust is unable to admit to himself that he has manipulated Gretchen, while Mephistopheles rarely hides his intentions? Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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