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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. Who wrote the section "Dedication"?

2. What is Faust heavily doubting in "Night"?

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

4. From what does the witch read before giving Faust his potion to appear younger?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. How do Faust and Mephistopheles plan to get the girl for Faust at the end of "A Street"?

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

3. Why does the black poodle disturb Faust?

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

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

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

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

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

9. Describe Faust and Wagner's relationship.

10. During the second scene called "Faust's Study," what does Faust admit to Mephistopheles?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a brief essay about "Faust" as both a comedy and a tragedy in the following format:

Part 1) Definitions of comedy and tragedy.

Part 2) The tragic element of "Faust."

Part 3) The characterizations of "Faust."

Part 4) The comedic scenes.

Part 5) The satire and parodies found in "Faust."

Be sure to end the essay with a reiteration of your own conclusions on this question, and cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

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 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)

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