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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. How does Mephistopheles give Martha contradicting statements about her husband in "The Neighbor's House"?

2. Why does the witch burn herself on her cauldron?

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

4. Why does Gretchen wish to keep the jewelry Faust and Mephistopheles secretly leave for her?

5. What is the poet's goal in the beginning of this play?

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 Faust feel about the mystery girl he sees in the mirror and in the street?

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

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

5. Describe the differing opinions of Gretchen, her mother, and Martha about the mysterious jewels.

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

7. What does Mephistopheles suggest to Gretchen about marriage and why?

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

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

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

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

How do characters in "Faust" use manipulation to their own advantage? How does Mephistopheles manage to manipulate every human he comes into contact with and why? How does Faust himself manipulate Gretchen? What are the consequences of these manipulations? Why is it significant that Faust is unable to admit to himself that he has manipulated Gretchen, while Mephistopheles rarely hides his intentions? Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the use of symbolism in "Faust" in the following format:

Part 1) The Easter celebration.

Part 2) The black poodle.

Part 3) The "crowning" of Mephistopheles in "A Witch's Kitchen."

Part 4) The jewels.

Part 5) Flowers.

Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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