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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 are the men in the tavern about ready to do when Mephistopheles finally stops them?

2. What does Mephistopheles advise Martha to do in terms of grieving her husband?

3. What does Mephistopheles promise Gretchen at the end of "The Neighbor's House"?

4. Ultimately, in "Prelude on the Stage," what does the director decide to do with their play?

5. Why is Mephistopheles unable to leave Faust's study after appearing to the man?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the fate of the first box of jewels that Mephistopheles secretly leaves Gretchen and why?

2. What debate arises between Mephistopheles and God in regards to Faust?

3. What concerns does Faust have in regards to his bargain with the devil?

4. What leads up to Faust's suicide attempt and what stops him?

5. Describe the actions of the baboons in "A Witch's Kitchen."

6. How does Faust feel about the mystery girl he sees in the mirror and in the street?

7. In the "Dedication," why is Goethe so wistful?

8. What does Mephistopheles suggest to Gretchen about marriage and why?

9. How does the poodle behave before transforming into Mephistopheles?

10. For what reasons does the director decide that the audience should experience a journey from heaven to hell in this play?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the role of irony in "Faust." Define the term and use several passages from the text to illustrate these ideas. Suggestions of examples from the text include the following: Faust's first encounter with Mephistopheles falling on Easter, Faust's choice of pursuing Gretchen, Valentine's name, and the notion that Mephistopheles recognizes the greed and hypocrisy of the church. Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss God and Mephistopheles in the following format:

Part 1) Their similarities and differences.

Part 2) Their relationship and how it affects the world.

Part 3) Their differing opinions on the human race.

Part 4) Their relationships with their followers.

Part 5) Their methods of balancing each others' influence and power.

Part 6) The subversion of good versus evil.

Essay Topic 3

How does Faust's innate skepticism of higher powers help lead to his downfall? How is this related to his agreement to Mephistopheles's bargain? In addition to his doubts about Mephistopheles's power, why does this lead Faust into a troubled relationship with God? How and why does Faust retain this skepticism throughout the play? What does this suggest about his character as a whole? Discuss these questions (though not exclusively) in a brief essay about Faust's skepticism while using strong examples from the text to support these arguments.

(see the answer keys)

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