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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 did people find so offensive about A Children's Tragedy when it was first written?

2. In what decade did Wedekind write A Children's Tragedy?

3. What is the function of the Moritat in the introduction?

4. In the introduction, what is NOT one of the mentioned allusions in the play?

5. Ultimately, what does Bentley suggest about the masked man?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the purpose of the Moritat in the introduction?

2. Why did Martha's parents rip her nightgown from her?

3. Describe Martha's parents.

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

5. What event does Bentley claim influence Wedekind? Why?

6. What appears to be a key difference between Melchior and Moritz in their first scene together?

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

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

9. What is Wendla's attitude about her old dress and new dress in the beginning of the play?

10. According to the summary in the introduction, what will happen to Melchior?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How are the adults portrayed in this play? To what purpose are they lampooned? How is the character of Mrs. Gabor used to show the power of adults and the consequences of misunderstanding their children? Is Mrs. Bergmann meant to be a sympathetic character? Why or why not? How does Moritz's father represent the majority of the adults in this play? Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

What is significant about Melchior's fascination with Goethe and his presentation of "Faust?" Why should Mrs. Gabor express concern over her son reading "Faust?" How does the story of Faust mirror Melchior's story? How is Goethe's philosophy seen in Melchior's belief system? Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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