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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 states that what element makes it impossible to obscure the truth?

2. The Mummy claims that which member of the family had forced her to lie about her age?

3. To what location does the Mummy go when she leaves the Round Room in Act II?

4. What material covers the cupboard door inside the Round Room?

5. At what type of performance does the Colonel first meet the Student?

Short Essay Questions

1. What threat does the Old Man make to the hosts of the ghost supper and how does the Mummy respond?

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

3. Discuss an instance in the play when Strindberg sends a particular message about social hierarchy.

4. 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?

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

6. What is the significance of the Colonel's retort to the Old Man's claim that Bengtsson "is not the man he appears to be" (25)?

7. For what reason is the Mummy "unable to tolerate" the "sight of her own daughter" (19)?

8. What does the Colonel have in his hand when he first meets the Old Man and what is the object's significance?

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

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

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

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the messages sent about the theme of appearance versus reality within The Ghost Sonata.

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