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. How does the girl first react to Faust when she meets him?

2. Where does the poodle transform into Mephistopheles?

3. When Faust is interrupted in his suicide attempt, what refreshes his faith in God?

4. What must Faust step inside of in order to begin the spell to make him appear younger?

5. Who wrote the section "Dedication"?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Mephistopheles tell Martha about her husband when he visits them in disguise?

3. Why is Mephistopheles bored with and disdainful of mankind?

4. Why is Mephistopheles initially held prisoner by Faust and how does he escape?

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

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

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

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

9. What does Martha suggest Gretchen do with the second box of jewelry in "The Neighbor's House"?

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

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 is a "faustian bargain"? How is this used in everyday language? How does it relate to "Faust?" What is significant about the fact that this term has entered the vernacular in regards to the importance of the play itself on society? What does this suggest about not only Goethe's intent in writing this play, but about the character of Faust and his situation?

Essay Topic 3

How does Faust fit the definition of a tragic hero? What is his hamartia? How do his actions cause the tragedies of this play. Discuss these questions (though not exclusively) in the form of an essay. Compose a clear thesis statement and cite specific examples from the text to support your answers. Be sure to define the terms "tragic hero" and "hamartia," as well as discuss how Faust also subverts the trope of a tragic hero.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 929 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample