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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. Which character does the Colonel refer to as his "devoted servant" (25)?

2. Which member of the household is depicted as knowing the most about each inhabitant's secrets and truths?

3. Who hears footsteps within Act II?

4. To whom does the Old Man want to marry the Girl?

5. What kind of "medal" is the Colonel's "devoted servant" (25) said to have been awarded for his "long and faithful service" (25)?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do the flower bulbs within the Hyacinth Room represent?

2. For what reason is the gathering in Act II referred to as a "ghost supper," (18) according to Bengtsson?

3. Which character is depicted within the portrait in the Round Room and what is the portrait's symbolism?

4. What events lead the Old Man to conclude that the "place is haunted" (21)?

5. Discuss a moment in the play when a character uses a literary device in conjunction with the topic of animals.

6. In what way does the motif of dreams emerge within Act II and why does Strindberg use the motif to show a similarity between the Student and Johannson?

7. Discuss an instance when Strindberg uses the music motif in conjunction with an instance of foreshadowing.

8. What instruction does the Mummy give to the Old Man when she leaves him alone with the Colonel?

9. How is the theme of authenticity linked with a particular character within Act II and for what purpose does Strindberg make this connection?

10. What truth is eventually revealed about the connection between the Milkmaid and the Old Man?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine Strindberg’s use of characterization methods to portray the student within the narrative. What effects do these characterization methods have on the themes and messages inherent in The Ghost Sonata?

Essay Topic 2

How are the topics of romantic relationships, love, and sex treated within the play The Ghost Sonata and how does their treatment relate to the play's depicted messages?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Strindberg's treatment of truth, lies, and hypocrisy within the text of The Ghost Sonata.

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