Spring Awakening Lesson Plan

Why is Melchior expelled?

Melchior is expelled because his packet on copulation was found in Moritz’s possession. Not only do the adults deem the packet inappropriate, but they also hold it responsible for Moritz’s suicide. The packet not only represents a threat to their view of sexuality as immoral and taboo, but also provides a convenient scapegoat to the cause of Moritz’s suicide. Rather than look into the real reasons Moritz killed himself (pressure from school and his parents, depression, and so on), the adults are able to conveniently point to Melchior’s packet on sex.

Why do you think Wedekind chose to make Moritz’s suicide take place offstage? How does this...