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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. The Old Man says that though the ruin of the Student's father had likely been attributed to him, the reality is that the Student's father had stolen how many "thousand crowns" (5) from the Old Man?

2. Which character is revealed to be standing on the staircase when the curtain rises in Act I?

3. At what time of day does the play open?

4. Act I of The Ghost Sonata begins just outside of what type of structure?

5. To what god does Johansson compare the Old Man when discussing the Old Man's demeanor within the town?

Short Essay Questions

1. Which character in the play is characterized as having been born on a Sunday and why is this detail significant?

2. What does the Old Man ask of the Student in lieu of the money he claims the Student's father still owes him?

3. What mystery about the Milkmaid remains intact throughout the entirety of Act I and beyond?

4. In what way does Strindberg use physicality to illustrate the tyranny present within the Old Man's character?

5. How does the Student respond to the Old Man's claims about the supposed transgressions committed by the Student's father?

6. What supreme desire does the Old Man claim to hold dear when he speaks to the Student?

7. How does the Old Man first come into contact with the Student in Act I?

8. What is the relationship among the Colonel, the Girl, and the statue?

9. What paradoxical statement does Johansson make about the link between the Old Man and trust?

10. What circumstances had led the Student to the scene of the collapsed house the night before the narrative present?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How do the themes of control and secrecy function within The Ghost Sonata and what is Strindberg’s message regarding these themes?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze Strindberg from an Existential perspective. What elements of life does it suggest hold the most meaning and why?

Essay Topic 3

Write a critical essay about The Ghost Sonata while using the critical power theory lens of Marxist theory. Use textual evidence to back up your strong, specific claim regarding the play's treatment of issues such as socioeconomic status, hierarchies, wealth, class, or any other issues related to Marxist theory that can be found in the play.

(see the answer keys)

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