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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. In regards to their bargain, what does Faust make Mephistopheles agree to before signing the pledge?

2. What does Mephistopheles advise Martha to do in terms of grieving her husband?

3. For what reasons do Faust and Mephistopheles visit a witch?

4. What is the fate of the box of jewelry when Gretchen shows it to her mother?

5. What does Mephistopheles give all the men in the tavern?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Mephistopheles have no power over the girl with whom Faust is obsessed?

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

4. What concerns does Faust have in regards to his bargain with the devil?

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

6. What debate arises between Mephistopheles and God in regards to Faust?

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

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

9. What is the fate of the first box of jewels that Mephistopheles secretly leaves Gretchen and why?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

What is significant about the character of Mephistopheles being portrayed as charming and charismatic? How does this affect the balance of good versus evil, as well as the relationship between God and the devil? How do people react to Mephistopheles, particularly Faust and Gretchen? What is important about Martha's attempted seduction of Mephistopheles? How does this relate to his overall disdain of the human race? What does this suggest about his role in the world? Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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