The Sound of Music Essay Questions

Essay Questions

  1. 1

    Why does Maria leave the von Trapp home?

    Maria and the Captain have fallen in love with one another during her time there. But she has decided to return to the abbey. The reason for this is that the Baroness, who is also in love with the Captain, has convinced Maria that it is better for her to go back to being a nun. And Maria believes that the Baroness is right and chooses to leave even though the Captain loves her.

  2. 2

    How does Maria begin to win the trust of the children?

    The von Trapp children are not easy to reign in during Maria's initial time there. They misbehave and don't want to listen to this new woman who they believe is trying to replace their mother. It's not until Maria catches Liesl sneaking into the home after having been out with her boyfriend and doesn't tell her father that the kids begin to trust her. Liesl's trust will go a long way with the other kids falling into agreement that Maria is there to love them, not replace anyone.

  3. 3

    Why does Captain von Trapp want to lead his family to Switzerland?

    The Captain has been ordered to join forces with the Third Reich as Hitler has begun to gain power in Europe, and Austria can either join the Nazis or become enemies of their power. Mr. von Trapp will not allow himself to join an force he believes to be evil, and rather than do so he seeks to get his family out of the country into Switzerland in order to find refuge for them all.

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