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

2. What does the sergeant predict Swiss Cheese's nationality is?

3. Who is saying Yvette is sick?

4. Why does Eilif sing "The Song of the Wise Woman and the Soldier"?

5. What is so special about the capon Mother Courage tries to sell?

Short Essay Questions

1. What affect does Mother Courage's performance of "The Song of Great Capitulation" have?

2. Why is the young soldier outraged?

3. Why does Mother Courage choose to leave the cook behind?

4. Why does the soldier wear a woman's fur coat?

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

6. Why does Yvette drink in the morning?

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

8. Why does "Mother Courage" end with Mother Courage pulling her cart and singing?

9. Why won't Swiss Cheese run off with the regiment's pay box?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

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

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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