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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 is the Sheriff's name?

2. Where does Mrs. Peachum go after Act One Scene Three?

3. What is Tiger Brown's profession?

4. What is the name of the song Macheath and Brown sing at the feast?

5. Whose coronation is taking place during the time of the play?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Macheath escape from jail?

2. Describe the character of Macheath. What is his physical demeanor? What is his profession?

3. Why does Brecht choose to interrupt the action with songs? What effect does this achieve?

4. How does Tiger Brown feel about Macheath's arrest? Why?

5. Compare and contrast Lucy and Polly. How are they alike? How are they different?

6. Where is The Threepenny Opera set? Include the general setting and specific settings.

7. Why is Polly upset when she meets Macheath in Act Two at the stable?

8. What is the tone of the song "The Ballad of Sexual Obsession"? Who sings it?

9. Where does Act Three, Scene Nine take place? Who, in addition to Macheath, is here?

10. What is The Cannon Song about? Who sings it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does The Threepenny Opera differ from more traditional musicals of its time? How does it differ today? Use examples from the text and references to prior productions to support your claim.

Essay Topic 2

How is "Human Nature" portrayed in The Threepenny Opera? Who speaks (and/or sings) about human nature? Do you think this is Brecht's point of view as well? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

If Brecht is alive today, what do you think he says about American politics and social philosophy? What does he say globally? Use examples from the text and Brecht's life to support your discussion.

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