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

2. What does God believe will happen if Mephistopheles meets Faust?

3. What effects are had on the men in the tavern due to Mephistopheles's presence?

4. In "Dedication," what does the author ultimately decide is more important than fame?

5. Where does Faust first see the image of the girl with whom he grows obsessed?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does the black poodle disturb Faust?

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. What does Mephistopheles suggest to Gretchen about marriage 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 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.

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 character of Gretchen in the following format:

Part 1) Innocence versus corruption.

Part 2) Her self esteem and the opinions of others.

Part 3) Temptation and empathy.

Part 4) The role of the woman to bring honor to the family.

Part 5) Her downfall and tragedy.

Part 6) Redemption.

Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,012 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample