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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 does Martha believe about her abusive husband?

2. When Faust is interrupted in his suicide attempt, what refreshes his faith in God?

3. What holiday is being celebrated in "Outside the Town Wall"?

4. What effects are had on the men in the tavern due to Mephistopheles's presence?

5. What news does Mephistopheles give Martha in her first scene?

Short Essay Questions

1. During the second scene called "Faust's Study," what does Faust admit to Mephistopheles?

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

3. Describe the argument between the director, the clown, and the poet in "Prelude on the Stage."

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

5. Describe the steps taken to make Faust appear younger.

6. Describe the bargain between Faust and Mephistopheles.

7. What happens when Mephistopheles and Faust go to the tavern in Leipzig?

8. Why does the black poodle disturb Faust?

9. What does Wagner note about the townspeople he and Faust walk with on Easter, and how does Faust dispute his thoughts?

10. Why is Mephistopheles bored with and disdainful of mankind?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

What purposes do the scenes entitled "Walpurgis Night" and "A Walpurgis Night's Dream" serve in this play? Discuss this in the following format:

Part 1) Allusions to Greek mythology, the Bible, and other works of literature.

Part 2) Faust's uneasiness at the celebration.

Part 3) The vision of Gretchen in relation to the purpose of Walpurgis Night.

Part 4) Mephistopheles's reactions to being amongst his people.

Part 5) The absurdities of the humans.

Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the theme of temptation in "Faust" in the following format:

Part 1) Mephistopheles's conversation with God.

Part 2) Faust's bargain.

Part 3) The courtship of Gretchen.

Part 4) The consequences of giving into temptation.

Part 5) The decadent lifestyle of Faust and Mephistopheles.

Part 6) Gretchen's redemption.

Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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