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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. Why does Mother Courage have her opinion of the commander?

2. What bible passage does the chaplain quote after Eilif's story?

3. In Eilif's story, what does he do when the peasants have him cornered?

4. Why does Eilif sing "The Song of the Wise Woman and the Soldier"?

5. What is Mother Courage's opinion of the commander?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do the sergeant and recruiting officer think the benefit of war is?

2. Why does the soldier threaten to kill the cattle instead of the peasants?

3. Why does Mother Courage hesitate to pay for Swiss Cheese's releases?

4. Has Mother Courage learned anything by the end of the play?

5. Why is Mother Courage frantic to dress Kattrin more modestly and smear ashes on her face?

6. Are the peasants hypocrites?

7. In Mother Courage's opinion, why is being seated not revolting?

8. What is the debate over the legitimacy of the villagers?

9. Why do all of Mother Courage's children have names of different origins?

10. Why is Mother Courage initially upset when she finds out the war is over?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Conversations about courage, cowardice, and bravery arise throughout the play. Discuss characters and the play's evolving relationship with these three themes.

Essay Topic 2

The lives and deaths of characters and the fate of relationships are frequently affected by their dependency on money or success. Discuss Brecht's commentary on humanity and war based on his use of money in "Mother Courage".

Essay Topic 3

In the pivotal scene of false peace in "Mother Courage", both Kattrin and Yvette come out of the war 'deformed' in some way. Discuss characters' deformities and demises in conjuncture with their personalities.

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