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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 Mephistopheles admit to Faust will happen when he (Faust) sleeps with Gretchen?

2. What does Faust discover from Gretchen when he tries to help her escape from prison?

3. Why must Faust cling to the rocks on the mountain?

4. How is most of "A Walpurgis's Night Dream" presented?

5. What is Gretchen attending during "A Cathedral"?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Gretchen refuse to escape from prison with Faust?

2. What torments Gretchen at the cathedral and why?

3. What does Faust fear in regards to his relationship with Gretchen about Mephistopheles?

4. Why is Gretchen unable to recognize Faust when he comes to her in prison?

5. What is Walpurgis Night?

6. Describe the seduction of Gretchen up until the end of "A Forest Cavern."

7. What agreement does Faust and Mephistopheles come to when the former discovers that Gretchen had been pregnant and is now in prison and why?

8. How does Valentine react to Gretchen's plight, as well as the presence of Faust?

9. Discuss the significance of Gretchen fearing Mephistopheles at the end of the play.

10. What is "A Walpurgis Night's Dream" and what purpose does it serve?

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

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 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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