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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. What is Gretchen's secret?

2. What does Mephistopheles mock to Faust after Gretchen leaves in "Martha's Garden?"

3. Which Biblical character is apparently present on Walpurgis Night?

4. While considering Faust's request in "Martha's Garden," of what is Gretchen afraid?

5. What does Gretchen believe is on Faust's hand when she tries to hold it in her cell?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why must Faust lie to Martha about her husband?

2. Why is Gretchen praying to the Virgin Mary?

3. Why does Mephistopheles keep trying to subvert Faust from examining his vision of Gretchen?

4. Describe some of the characters in the chapter "Walpurgis Night."

5. Describe Faust's vision of Gretchen.

6. Why is Gretchen unable to recognize Faust when he comes to her in prison?

7. What is the purpose of the potion?

8. After meeting Faust, how does Gretchen admit to feeling about him during "Gretchen's Room"?

9. What comprises Valentine's final moments alive?

10. Why is Gretchen is prison?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What significance does the Easter holiday play in "Faust"? How do the hymnals affect the titular character and why? What are some connotations associated with Easter that can be applied, literally or ironically, to "Faust"? How does the Easter celebration reveal Faust's deep insecurities and regrets in life? Discuss these ideas in an essay (do not limit yourself to simply answering these questions). Develop a clear thesis statement and cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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