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

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

3. What is the first soldier wearing?

4. What does the recruiting officer offer Eilif if he joins the army?

5. Where does Swiss Cheese plan to hide the pay box?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Kattrin run out to the peasant's house in Scene 5?

2. In "Mother Courage" is it possible to gain without losing?

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

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

5. Has Eilif's brutality finally caught up to him when peace is declared?

6. Are the peasants hypocrites?

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

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

9. Why does the cook not want Kattrin to come to Utrecht?

10. Why does Mother Courage sing a lullaby to Kattrin?

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

Discuss "humanity" in "Mother Courage".

Essay Topic 3

In the first scene, Mother Courage prophesies the fates of her children. Mother Courage is also blind to much of reality through the play. Discuss Mother Courage's "prophetic" perception of the world, how she views herself, and how others view her.

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