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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. In Eilif's story, what does he do when the peasants have him cornered?

2. How much does the cook end up buying the capon for?

3. What does Mother Courage decide to do at the end of the scene?

4. What body part is one of the peasants missing after their farm is attacked?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Mother Courage continue to talk with the sergeant and recruiting officer even though they are trying to recruit her sons into the army?

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

3. Why won't they ring the church bells for the commander's funeral?

4. Does the cook give an ultimatum to the parson to convince him to give them soup?

5. What is the debate over the legitimacy of the villagers?

6. Why are the peasants urging Mother Courage to leave?

7. Why is the young soldier outraged?

8. Are the peasants hypocrites?

9. Why does Mother Courage sing "The Song of Great Capitulation" to calm the young soldier?

10. Why is Eilif a hero in the commander's eyes?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss "humanity" in "Mother Courage".

Essay Topic 2

War is the context, driving force, and most prominent character in "Mother Courage and Her Children".

Part 1) Who is "War", the character?

Part 2) What is Brecht's statement about "War"?

Essay Topic 3

"Mother Courage" is full of dark humor and irony. Discuss Brecht's use of these tools in the play. Where does it appear? What affect does it have on the plot and other characters? Is it used effectively?

(see the answer keys)

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