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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 Faust see around Gretchen's neck in his vision of her in "Walpurgis Night"?

2. What promise does Mephistopheles extract from Faust before taking him to meet Gretchen?

3. What can Mephistopheles not do for Gretchen in "A Gloomy Day?"

4. Why does Gretchen choose this particular person to pray to during "By a Shrine Inside the Town Wall, Night"?

5. What does Gretchen finally admit to Faust before she leaves for home?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Mephistopheles keep trying to subvert Faust from examining his vision of Gretchen?

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

3. Describe the enormity of Gretchen's sorrows.

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

5. What is ironic about Mephistopheles's statement that Gretchen is doomed?

6. Why must Faust lie to Martha about her husband?

7. What does Faust admit to being jealous of and why?

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

9. What torments Gretchen at the cathedral and why?

10. What visions do Faust and Mephistopheles claim to have to their dancing partners?

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 the use of symbolism in "Faust" in the following format:

Part 1) The Easter celebration.

Part 2) The black poodle.

Part 3) The "crowning" of Mephistopheles in "A Witch's Kitchen."

Part 4) The jewels.

Part 5) Flowers.

Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the character of Gretchen in the following format:

Part 1) Innocence versus corruption.

Part 2) Her self esteem and the opinions of others.

Part 3) Temptation and empathy.

Part 4) The role of the woman to bring honor to the family.

Part 5) Her downfall and tragedy.

Part 6) Redemption.

Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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