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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 long has it been since Mother Courage has seen Eilif?

2. In the commander's opinion, what does Eilif still believe in?

3. Some time after Swiss Cheese has been killed, why is Mother Courage going to complain to the captain?

4. Who is the young soldier angry at by the end of Scene 4?

5. Who does Eilif aspire to be like?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Mother Courage's advice to the young soldier about anger and injustice?

2. Earlier in the play, would we have expected Mother Courage to go with the cook? Why/how has she changed?

3. Why is the young soldier outraged?

4. What compels Kattrin to climb to the roof?

5. How impoverished has the country become as the cook, Mother Courage, and Kattrin follow the soldier through the winter?

6. What is the cook's grievance with the chaplain?

7. Does Mother Courage's false hope give her strength to carry on?

8. In Mother Courage's opinion, why is being seated not revolting?

9. Why does Mother Courage claim 60 hellers is a good deal for a cabon?

10. How does Mother Courage calm the young soldier?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In three parts, discuss the relevance of each of Mother Courage's children: what they represent about war, youth, and themes of "Mother Courage" discussed in class.

Essay Topic 2

The character of the chaplain is one that goes through the most dramatic metamorphosis. His role as a religious representative and overturning it is a powerful statement about religion on Brecht's part. What is this statement?

Essay Topic 3

Throughout "Mother Courage" characters use song to express themselves and Brecht uses them to flesh out moments. What is the purpose and effect of the musical quality of the play?

(see the answer keys)

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