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

2. During the "Prologue in Heaven," how many archangels are with God?

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

4. What does Faust threaten to do if Mephistopheles is unable to get the girl he is obsessed with for him?

5. From where does the witch enter during "A Witch's Kitchen"?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Faust decide to try witchcraft in his first scene?

2. How do Faust and Mephistopheles plan to get the girl for Faust at the end of "A Street"?

3. Why does the black poodle disturb Faust?

4. Describe the differing opinions of Gretchen, her mother, and Martha about the mysterious jewels.

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

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

7. Describe Faust and Wagner's relationship.

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

9. Describe the bargain between Faust and Mephistopheles.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does Faust fit the definition of a tragic hero? What is his hamartia? How do his actions cause the tragedies of this play. Discuss these questions (though not exclusively) in the form of an essay. Compose a clear thesis statement and cite specific examples from the text to support your answers. Be sure to define the terms "tragic hero" and "hamartia," as well as discuss how Faust also subverts the trope of a tragic hero.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

What significance does the Easter holiday play in "Faust"? How do the hymnals affect the titular character and why? What are some connotations associated with Easter that can be applied, literally or ironically, to "Faust"? How does the Easter celebration reveal Faust's deep insecurities and regrets in life? Discuss these ideas in an essay (do not limit yourself to simply answering these questions). Develop a clear thesis statement and cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

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