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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. What does the young solder threaten he will do to the captain?

2. Why does Mother Courage claim her price is a good one for a bird at this time?

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

4. Mother Courage observes that Kattrin "sits, happy as a _______ in all this misery" of the suffering peasants.

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Does Mother Courage seem more human in Scene 8?

2. What has the chaplain's role shifted to by Scene 5?

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

4. How brave is Kattrin?

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

6. Does the chaplain see a difference between war and peace?

7. What do the sergeant and recruiting officer think the benefit of war is?

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

9. In Scene 6, how does the chaplain begin to see Mother Courage?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The lives and deaths of characters and the fate of relationships are frequently affected by their dependency on money or success. Discuss Brecht's commentary on humanity and war based on his use of money in "Mother Courage".

Essay Topic 2

There can be a fine line between lie and delusion in "Mother Courage".

Part 1: What are characters' relationships with lying and deceit?

Part 2: What are characters' relationships with delusions?

Part 3: What are the cause and effect relationships between these two? What connects them? What is Brecht's purpose in this?

Essay Topic 3

Kattrin is mute and must express herself through mime. A play, however, is centered on dialogue.

Part 1) How is having a silent character a powerful statement in a drama?

Part 2) How is Kattrin a tool in Brecht's portrayal of war?

Part 3) What is invaluable about Kattrin's condition?

Part 4) Who is most impacted by her? Who does she better define?

(see the answer keys)

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