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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. Why does the first soldier want brandy?

2. What solace does Mother Courage take from Swiss Cheese's job in the army?

3. Why is the young soldier complaining to the captain?

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

5. When Eilif wants to join the army, Mother Courage tells him he's never happy until he's _______.

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Mother Courage calm the young soldier?

2. How does Mother Courage get her name?

3. What issue does the sergeant have with peace?

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

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

6. Will the war end now that the commander is dead?

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

8. Why does Mother Courage hesitate to pay for Swiss Cheese's releases?

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

10. Why can't Mother Courage tell the soldiers who arrested Swiss Cheese that he is her son?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss what characterizes and defines the climax and denouement of "Mother Courage".

Essay Topic 2

"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?

Essay Topic 3

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"?

(see the answer keys)

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