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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why is Eilif being killed?

2. How does Mother Courage see the chaplain?

3. Why is Mother Courage encouraged to leave the farmhouse quickly and not stay with Kattrin's body?

4. Why is the cook angry with the chaplain when he returns?

5. How does Mother Courage feel about moving on?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Virtue is valued differently in times of peace and war and is used as a commodity throughout the play. Discuss the purpose of "virtue" to the characters of "Mother Courage" and the play's statement of war as a whole.

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?

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