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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. Why does the witch burn herself on her cauldron?

2. Ultimately, in "Prelude on the Stage," what does the director decide to do with their play?

3. What does the clown profess to wanting for this play during "Prelude on the Stage"?

4. How does Mephistopheles entertain the crowd during "Auerbach's Tavern"?

5. Who does Faust initially believe Mephistopheles to be?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Wagner note about the townspeople he and Faust walk with on Easter, and how does Faust dispute his thoughts?

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

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

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

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

7. In the "Dedication," why is Goethe so wistful?

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

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

10. Describe Faust and Wagner's relationship.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Discuss God and Mephistopheles in the following format:

Part 1) Their similarities and differences.

Part 2) Their relationship and how it affects the world.

Part 3) Their differing opinions on the human race.

Part 4) Their relationships with their followers.

Part 5) Their methods of balancing each others' influence and power.

Part 6) The subversion of good versus evil.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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