Spring awakening Wedekind Synopsis The play portrays a group of young girls and boys, in Germany in the 1980s,

, as they discover their sexuality. They are hindered by their parents who see natural instincts as sinful and the mention of sex immoral. Wendla has been kept in innocence by her mother, who still suggests that babies are bought by storks, becomes pregnant without realising. Martha is beaten by her father for being lewd, when all she did was thread ribbons through her nightdress. Ilse has quit school to sleep around with painters and to earn a living as an artists model. Mortiz struggles to cope with his parents as well as the academic pressures, as he finds his concentration is undermined by his erections. Hans re-enacts Othellos murder of Desdemona, whilst masturbating over classical nudes. Melchior takes Wendlas virginity and explains to Mortiz in order to enlighten him. Wendlas mother calls in the abortionist as she fears being disgraced in society. Melchiors mother joins a battle with her lawyer husband for the future well-being of their son, but they agree to send him to a borstal. Mortiz fails schools, and kills himself in order to spare his parents feelings. The school blame the suicide on Melchiors tract with Mortiz and have him expelled. Hans discovers love with his classmate Ernst. Wendla dies at the hands of her abortionist without ever understanding how she became pregnant. Melchior escapes the borstal and is enticed into suicide by the ghost of Mortiz. A masked man saves Melchior and promises him a meal a day and a world full of new opportunities. Themes Sexuality Suicide Death Religion