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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 happened to Martha when her parents saw her with a ribbon on her nightgown?

2. In the brief summary given in the introduction, what concept is Melchior struggling with?

3. Despite the complexity of A Children's Tragedy what striking aspect is the most widely known about this play?

4. What information does Moritz discover in Act 1, Scene 4 that cheers him up?

5. Why is Mrs. Bergmann concerned about Wendla's dress?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is significant about the number sixty in relation to Moritz?

2. Why was this play frequently repressed after the initial publication?

3. Why does Moritz not want to listen to Melchior's explanations about sex?

4. What are Melchior's beliefs about good deeds, as related to Wendla?

5. Why is this play described as "coming-of-age?"

6. What happened to "Spring Awakening" in America after publication? Why?

7. How does the introduction of this play describe Eros and Thanatos?

8. What are some of the main philosophical influences and allusions in A Children's Tragedy?

9. What does Moritz believe is the purpose of his school's exams?

10. Describe Martha's parents.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the following topics to write about:

- Mrs. Bergmann's explanation on pregnancy.

- The contrast of the pastor's sermon at Moritz's funeral and the girls bringing his grave flowers.

- "Copulation."

Essay Topic 2

Choose one of the following topics to write about:

- The significance of Ina having had three children in two years of marriage and Mrs. Bergmann's refusal to explain sex to her daughters.

- Moritz's relationship with Ilse.

- The reformatory students in contrast to Melchior.

Essay Topic 3

Melchior and Moritz are the two central characters of Spring Awakening: A Children's Tragedy. Their relationship is central to the plot and provides much of the dramatic tension and tragedies of the piece.

- Compare and contrast Melchior and Moritz.

- Discuss Melchior's protectiveness of Moritz and how Moritz looks up to his friend.

- Discuss the masked man's reactions and analysis of both boys.

Cite specific examples from the text to support your arguments.

(see the answer keys)

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