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CHAPTER 6:
Sexual Behaviors: Experiencing Sexual Pleasure
Total Assessment Guide (T.A.G.)

Question Remember the Understand the Apply What You


Topic
Type Facts Concepts Know
Introduction Multiple Choice 1

to Chapter Essay

Historical Multiple Choice 2, 3


Essay
Perspectives
6.1 Your Multiple Choice 6, 8 4, 5, 9 7

Sexual Essay
Comfort
Zone
6.2 Solitary Multiple Choice 10–11

and Shared Essay


Sexual
Behaviors
6.3 Sexual Multiple Choice 12, 13, 22 15, 17, 18, 20, 21 14, 16, 19

Fantasy Essay 65
6.4 Multiple Choice 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 28, 32 29, 30, 31, 33

Masturbation Essay 66
6.5 Erotic Multiple Choice 37, 38, 39, 41 34, 35, 40 36, 42, 43

Touch
Essay 67
6.6 Oral Sex Multiple Choice 44, 45, 47 50 46, 48, 49

Essay 68

6.7 Anal Multiple Choice 51, 52 53 54, 55

Stimulation
Essay 69

6.8 Coitus Multiple Choice 56, 57, 59 58, 60 61, 62, 63, 64
Essay

126
Copyright © 2016, 2012, 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
Major Headings:
pp. 185–186 Introduction to Chapter
pp. 186–187 Historical Perspectives
pp. 187–190 6.1 Your Sexual Comfort Zone
pp. 190–191 6.2 Solitary and Shared Sexual Behaviors
pp. 191–195 6.3 Sexual Fantasy
pp. 195–201 6.4 Masturbation
pp. 201–205 6.5 Erotic Touch
pp. 205–207 6.6 Oral Sex
pp. 208–209 6.7 Anal Stimulation
pp. 209–215 6.8 Coitus
pp. 215–216 Your Sexual Philosophy

127
Copyright © 2016, 2012, 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. According to the text, approaching sexual activities responsibly can _______.
a. improve self-esteem and level of happiness
b. help a person find a life partner
c. lead to exciting and adventuresome sexual experiences
d. foster a sense of gender identity

Answer: A
Difficulty: Easy
Topic: Introduction to Chapter
Skill: Remember the Facts

2. According to Dr. William Walling, a medical doctor who published a book about
sexual behaviors in the early 1900s, male and female masturbation could lead to
_______.
a. sickness, wasting, and eventually death
b. being considered unmarriageable
c. increased self-esteem
d. health and wellness

Answer: A
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Historical Perspectives
Skill: Remember the Facts

3. Today masturbation is considered _______.


a. unhealthy and deviant
b. only a homosexual activity
c. a key component of sex therapy
d. sexually unsatisfying

Answer: C
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Historical Perspectives
Skill: Remember the Facts

128
Copyright © 2016, 2012, 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
4. Someone who is an erotophilic _______.
a. responds with positive reactions to sexual topics
b. is less comfortable with sexual issues
c. has a sexually transmitted infection
d. uses masturbation as their main sexual activity

Answer: A
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Your Sexual Comfort Zone
Skill: Understand the Concepts

5. Someone who is an erotophobic _______.


a. responds with positive reactions to sexual topics
b. is less comfortable with sexual issues
c. has a sexually transmitted infection
d. uses masturbation as their main sexual activity

Answer: B
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Your Sexual Comfort Zone
Skill: Understand the Concepts

6. One’s sexual attitudes and sexual choices may be predicted by the scores obtained on
the _______.
a. Sexual Excitation Scale
b. Sexual Inhibition Scale
c. Kinsey Surveys
d. Sexual Opinion Survey

Answer: D
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Your Sexual Comfort Zone
Skill: Remember the Facts

7. Mark scored pretty low on the Sexual Inhibition Scale (SIS) and pretty high on the
Sexual Excitation Scale (SES). How does he compare to other males?
a. His SIS and SES scores are similar to the average scores for men.
b. His SIS score is higher than the average scores for men.
c. His SIS score is lower than the average scores for men.
d. His SES score is higher than the average scores for men.

Answer: A
Difficulty: Difficult
Topic: Your Sexual Comfort Zone
Skill: Apply What You Know

129
Copyright © 2016, 2012, 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
8. A person scoring high on erotophobia on the Sexual Opinion Survey may be _______.
a. more likely to use birth control
b. more likely to use preventive measures to prevent sexually transmitted infections
c. less likely to seek medical care for sexual problems
d. less likely to have sexual problems

Answer: C
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Your Sexual Comfort Zone
Skill: Remember the Facts

9. Which factor is linked to erotophobia in adulthood?


a. having parents who are good sexual educators
b. frequent masturbation in childhood
c. factual understanding of sexual topics in adolescence
d. conservative family sexual attitudes

Answer: D
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Your Sexual Comfort Zone
Skill: Understand the Concepts

10. ________________ is the most common sexual activity.


a. Sexual fantasy
b. Anal stimulation
c. Anilingus
d. Coitus

Answer: A
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Solitary and Shared Sexual Behaviors
Skill: Remember the Facts

11. Fantasy and masturbation are basically considered _______ behaviors.


a. interpersonal
b. group
c. solitary
d. interactive

Answer: C
Difficulty: Easy
Topic: Solitary and Shared Sexual Behaviors
Skill: Remember the Facts

130
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12. A study found that, on average, college men reported to have sexual fantasies
approximately 7 times a _______.
a. day
b. year
c. month
d. week

Answer: A
Difficulty: Easy
Topic: Sexual Fantasy
Skill: Remember the Facts

13. A study found that, on average, college women reported to have sexual fantasies
approximately _______.
a. 7 times a day
b. 7 times a year
c. 5 times a day
d. 5 times a week

Answer: C
Difficulty: Easy
Topic: Sexual Fantasy
Skill: Remember the Facts

14. Debra engages in sexual fantasy often. According to research, Debra probably
_______.
a. has more sexual problems
b. is sexually well-adjusted
c. is dissatisfied with her sexual relationship
d. has a sexual disorder

Answer: B
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Sexual Fantasy
Skill: Apply What You Know

131
Copyright © 2016, 2012, 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
15. College students access sexually explicit online sites for several reasons. One reason is
_______.
a. for solitary sexual arousal
b. to increase one’s sexual comfort zone
c. to teach others about sex
d. to reduce sexual arousal

Answer: A
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Sexual Fantasy
Skill: Understand the Concepts

16. A sexuality class is learning about sexual fantasy. The professor probably told them
that sexual fantasy _______.
a. always leads to criminal behavior
b. is a highly addictive and dysfunctional behavior
c. can be used to enhance arousal
d. is never used to treat sexual problems

Answer: C
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Sexual Fantasy
Skill: Apply What You Know

17. People who feel guilty about having sexual fantasies _______.
a. are more likely to discuss them with others
b. report having higher levels of sexual satisfaction
c. are more likely to have sexual problems
d. frequently report that they interfere with activities of daily life

Answer: C
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Sexual Fantasy
Skill: Understand the Concepts

18. Which of the following is a situation in which sexual fantasies can become a
problem?
a. when used to relieve boredom in a sexual relationship that has become routine
b. when used to learn about one’s sexual identity
c. when used as a tool in sex therapy
d. when used as the only way to become aroused by one’s partner

Answer: D
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Sexual Fantasy
Skill: Understand the Concepts

132
Copyright © 2016, 2012, 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
19. Francine is considering sharing her sexual fantasies with her partner. A sex therapist
would probably tell her to _______.
a. share all her fantasies indiscriminately
b. only share fantasies where she is having sex with a previous lover
c. be sensitive to her partner’s feelings when sharing
d. never share any of her fantasies

Answer: C
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Sexual Fantasy
Skill: Apply What You Know

20. What is the connection between fantasy and reality?


a. A person can fantasize about a sexual situation that he or she does not want to happen
in real life.
b. Fantasies are always about sexual activities that have already taken place.
c. We can control what happens in real life but we cannot control our fantasies.
d. A fantasy is a real wish for a particular sexual situation.

Answer: A
Difficulty: Difficult
Topic: Sexual Fantasy
Skill: Understand the Concepts

21. Research on sex differences in the experience and content of sexual fantasy reveals
that _______.
a. men are more likely than women to fantasize about sex with a mysterious partner
b. women are more likely than men to fantasize during masturbation
c. women are more likely than men to have frequent sexual fantasies during the day
d. men are less likely than women to fantasize about group sex

Answer: A
Difficulty: Difficult
Topic: Sexual Fantasy
Skill: Understand the Concepts

133
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22. Research on the sex differences in the content of sexual fantasies reveals that
_______.
a. men focus more on oral sex
b. men focus more on being rescued by a future lover
c. women focus more on watching their partner undress
d. women focus more on sex with a virgin

Answer: A
Difficulty: Difficult
Topic: Sexual Fantasy
Skill: Remember the Facts

23. Masturbation is also referred to as _______.


a. autoeroticism
b. erotophilia
c. erotophobia
d. erotic feelings

Answer: A
Difficulty: Easy
Topic: Masturbation
Skill: Remember the Facts

24. In ______, the American Medical Association acknowledged that masturbation is a


normal sexual behavior.
a. 1904
b. 2003
c. 1972
d. 1994

Answer: C
Difficulty: Easy
Topic: Masturbation
Skill: Remember the Facts

25. According to surveys given in the 1940s and 1950s by Kinsey, _____ of women had
reported having masturbated to orgasm.
a. 22%
b. 29%
c. 58%
d. 92%

Answer: C
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Masturbation
Skill: Remember the Facts

134
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26. Statistics generated from sex surveys tell us how many _______.
a. men masturbate
b. women masturbate
c. people are willing to report that they masturbate
d. women and men masturbate

Answer: C
Difficulty: Easy
Topic: Masturbation
Skill: Remember the Facts

27. U.S. Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders was the focus of controversy because she
commented about _______.
a. oral sex
b. masturbation
c. anal stimulation
d. sexual fantasy

Answer: B
Difficulty: Easy
Topic: Masturbation
Skill: Remember the Facts

28. Which of the following is TRUE about masturbation?


a. Males never stimulate their nipples during masturbation.
b. Most women want their partner to insert fingers deep inside the vagina during mutual
masturbation.
c. Frequent masturbation can cause severe menstrual pain.
d. A person experiences the same physical changes as one would with a partner.

Answer: D
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Masturbation
Skill: Understand the Concepts

135
Copyright © 2016, 2012, 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
29. Hans masturbates even though he is in a sexual relationship. He wonders if this is
normal. What information can you offer him?
a. Most people continue to masturbate while in a sexual relationship.
b. Although most women masturbate while in a sexual relationship, men rarely do.
c. Only individuals with abnormally high sex drives masturbate.
d. People who masturbate are probably unhappy in their current relationship.

Answer: A
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Masturbation
Skill: Apply What You Know

30. Barbara likes to masturbate without a partner. Even though she likes to masturbate,
she reports that she has difficulty reaching orgasm. What could she do to reach orgasm?
a. use a vibrator to help stimulate the clitoral area during masturbation
b. stop masturbating because it is not working for her
c. limit her masturbation sessions to 5 minutes per session
d. masturbate in the required position in order to reach orgasm

Answer: A
Difficulty: Difficult
Topic: Masturbation
Skill: Apply What You Know

31. Imelda never masturbates. She wonders if this is normal. What information can you
offer her?
a. It is all right if she does not masturbate.
b. Masturbation is a sign of sexual health.
c. Only individuals with abnormally high sex drives masturbate.
d. Masturbation is a sign of one’s level of happiness in their relationship.

Answer: A
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Masturbation
Skill: Apply What You Know

32. What is the current belief about the health effects of masturbation?
a. Masturbation is harmful.
b. Masturbation can eventually lead to death.
c. Solo masturbation is linked to an increase risk for STIs.
d. Masturbation is associated with numerous health benefits.

Answer: D
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Masturbation
Skill: Understand the Concepts

136
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33. Jeanne is having difficulty reaching orgasm during masturbation. Which of the
following may be helpful to her?
a. missionary position
b. fellatio
c. a vibrator
d. anilingus

Answer: C
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Masturbation
Skill: Apply What You Know

34. Which of the following is an example of erotic touch?


a. coitus
b. fellatio
c. kissing
d. anilingus

Answer: C
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Erotic Touch
Skill: Understand the Concepts

35. What is the best way to discover one’s partner’s preferences for being touched?
a. Touch him or her the way you want to be touched.
b. Learn about your partner’s cultural customs pertaining to touch.
c. Ask your partner how he or she likes to be touched.
d. Read a book on how men and women like to be touched.

Answer: C
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Erotic Touch
Skill: Understand the Concepts

137
Copyright © 2016, 2012, 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
36. Kenny and Lula do not know how to touch each other sexually. Which of the
following is a technique developed by Masters and Johnson that can be used by couples
to learn to touch each other?
a. Caress all parts of the partner’s unclothed body until orgasm is reached.
b. Massage and caress each other without reaching orgasm.
c. Use hands as a guide to illustrate how and where each partner wants to be touched.
d. Use a female surrogate to demonstrate specific exercises with the male partner.

Answer: C
Difficulty: Difficult
Topic: Erotic Touch
Skill: Apply What You Know

37. Why has kissing been overlooked in most studies and surveys of sexual behavior?
a. In Western culture, kissing is viewed as taboo.
b. In Western culture, kissing is not viewed as a sexual behavior.
c. Since kissing is an unpopular sexual activity, it does not need to be researched.
d. Only activities that have the risk of STI transmission are researched.

Answer: B
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Erotic Touch
Skill: Remember the Facts

38. According to research, which form of erotic touch is initially used by women to
determine if a male could be a potential partner?
a. stimulation of the breasts
b. kissing
c. genital touching
d. mutual masturbation

Answer: B
Difficulty: Easy
Topic: Erotic Touch
Skill: Remember the Facts

39. _______ may be transmitted by kissing.


a. HIV
b. Herpes virus
c. Gonorrhea
d. Syphilis

Answer: B
Difficulty: Easy
Topic: Erotic Touch
Skill: Remember the Facts

138
Copyright © 2016, 2012, 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
40. Which of the following is a commonly believed myth regarding the stimulation of
breasts and nipples?
a. The smaller the nipple, the more sexually sensitive it is to touch.
b. The larger the breasts, the more sexually sensitive they are to touch.
c. Men are more sexually sensitive to breast stimulation than women.
d. It is not possible to reach orgasm by breast stimulation alone.

Answer: B
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Erotic Touch
Skill: Understand the Concepts

41. What is mutual masturbation?


a. partners touching each other’s genitals
b. deep, intimate kissing
c. one partner touching the other’s breasts
d. oral stimulation of genitals

Answer: A
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Erotic Touch
Skill: Remember the Facts

42. Mark is reading a study in a journal article. The study is about the frequency of deep
kissing among college students. Approximately 88% of students have reported deep
kissing someone within the past 30 days, while more than 93% had a fantasy about deep
kissing. What does this data tell you about deep kissing in this study?
a. Deep kissing was a common sexual fantasy.
b. Deep kissing was reported by a minority of students.
c. Deep kissing was not a preferred activity.
d. College students rarely fantasized about deep kissing.

Answer: A
Difficulty: Difficult
Topic: Erotic Touch
Skill: Apply What You Know

139
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43. Morris would like to engage in an intimate sexual activity that is relatively free of the
risks of sexually transmitted infections. Which of the following would you recommend?
a. coitus
b. fellatio
c. genital touching
d. anal intercourse

Answer: C
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Erotic Touch
Skill: Apply What You Know

44. According to research, nearly _______ of people have experienced oral sex.
a. 80%
b. 90%
c. 70%
d. 50%

Answer: A
Difficulty: Easy
Topic: Oral Sex
Skill: Remember the Facts

45. Oral sex involves two distinct behaviors called _______ and _______.
a. mutual masturbation; kissing
b. cunnilingus; fellatio
c. fellatio; kissing
d. cunnilingus; mutual masturbation

Answer: B
Difficulty: Easy
Topic: Oral Sex
Skill: Remember the Facts

46. Harold enjoys performing cunnilingus on his girlfriend. What does Harold use as the
source of stimulation?
a. a vibrator
b. his fingers
c. his mouth
d. his penis

Answer: C
Difficulty: Easy
Topic: Oral Sex
Skill: Apply What You Know

140
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47. What is fellatio?
a. oral stimulation of a woman’s genitals
b. oral stimulation of a man’s genitals
c. manual stimulation of a man’s genitals
d. manual stimulation of a woman’s anus

Answer: B
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Oral Sex
Skill: Remember the Facts

48. One possible reason why Ruth prefers oral sex above penile-vaginal intercourse could
be that _______.
a. stimulation can be concentrated anywhere on the body in a manner that feels best
b. there is no risk of sexually transmitted infections
c. there is high risk for cancer with intercourse while there is no risk with oral sex
d. it is a cleaner sexual activity during menstruation

Answer: A
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Oral Sex
Skill: Apply What You Know

49. Although Oscar and Penelope decided to wait to have intercourse, they agreed to
make oral sex a part of their relationship. Is there anything they should know about oral
sex?
a. No, as long as they both feel comfortable with the agreement.
b. Yes, many STIs can be transmitted through oral sex.
c. No, as long as they are monogamous.
d. Yes, oral sex always leads to intercourse.

Answer: B
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Oral Sex
Skill: Apply What You Know

50. Why might a person feel uncomfortable about performing oral sex on a man?
a. concern that the penis will be shoved deep inside one’s mouth and throat
b. high amount of calories that accompany swallowing female ejaculate
c. high amount of calories that accompany swallowing semen
d. fear that one will enjoy performing oral sex

Answer: A
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Oral Sex
Skill: Understand the Concepts

141
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51. Another name for oral stimulation of the anus is _______.
a. anilingus
b. anal intercourse
c. fellatio
d. cunnilingus

Answer: A
Difficulty: Easy
Topic: Anal Stimulation
Skill: Remember the Facts

52. Which of the following is a myth regarding anal intercourse?


a. Anilingus refers to oral-anal stimulation.
b. Unprotected anal sex is the most risky sexual behavior for HIV transmission.
c. Anal intercourse occurs exclusively among gay male couples.
d. Approximately 15–30% of heterosexual individuals have engaged in anal sex.

Answer: C
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Anal Stimulation
Skill: Remember the Facts

53. An important point to keep in mind regarding anal intercourse is that _______.
a. the risk of transmitting a STI is especially high with unprotected anal intercourse
b. it usually does not transmit HIV
c. it is solely a homosexual activity
d. it causes no damage to the rectal walls

Answer: A
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Anal Stimulation
Skill: Understand the Concepts

54. Derek and Earl are interested in having anal sex. What should they know about anal
sex prior to engaging in this activity?
a. The anus and rectum produce an excessive amount of lubrication when aroused.
b. The likelihood of damage to the rectal walls is very high.
c. Use of a condom decreases all risks of transmission of STIs.
d. Penetration should occur quickly and deeply to prevent hemorrhoids.

Answer: B
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Anal Stimulation
Skill: Apply What You Know

142
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55. Fred and Gina are heterosexual, and they are interested in having anal intercourse.
What should they know about anal sex prior to engaging in this activity?
a. The anus and rectum produce an excessive amount of lubrication when aroused.
b. After anal intercourse, wash the penis before having any vaginal stimulation.
c. Use of a condom decreases all risks of transmission of STIs.
d. Penetration should occur quickly and deeply to prevent hemorrhoids.

Answer: B
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Anal Stimulation
Skill: Apply What You Know

56. The term coitus refers to _______.


a. oral sex
b. anal sex
c. penile-vaginal intercourse
d. erotic touching

Answer: C
Difficulty: Easy
Topic: Coitus
Skill: Remember the Facts

57. The most common coital position in Western cultures is _______.


a. man-on-top
b. woman-on-top
c. side-by-side
d. rear-entry

Answer: A
Difficulty: Easy
Topic: Coitus
Skill: Remember the Facts

58. What is a disadvantage of the man-on-top coital position?


a. difficulty inserting the penis into the vagina
b. only the man can guide the penis into the vagina
c. difficult for the man to stimulate the clitoris
d. difficult for the man to thrust with hips

Answer: C
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Coitus
Skill: Understand the Concepts

143
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59. Which coital position offers the woman the most control over speed of thrusting,
movement, and angle of penetration?
a. man-on-top
b. female-superior
c. side-by-side
d. rear-entry

Answer: B
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Coitus
Skill: Remember the Facts

60. Which of the following is an advantage of the side-by-side coital position?


a. it is good for controlling ejaculation
b. it facilitates eye contact
c. it allows for deeper penile penetration
d. the penis is less likely to slip out during intercourse

Answer: A
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Coitus
Skill: Understand the Concepts

61. Zena and Will enjoy the side-by-side coital position. What is a disadvantage of this
position?
a. difficulty in controlling ejaculation
b. less skin-to-skin contact
c. difficulty in penile-vaginal insertion
d. too physically demanding

Answer: C
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Coitus
Skill: Apply What You Know

62. Abby is pregnant. Which of the following is a good coital position for her to engage
in during her pregnancy?
a. man-on-top
b. female-superior
c. side-by-side
d. rear-entry

Answer: D
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Coitus
Skill: Apply What You Know

144
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63. Jim and Mary have sexual intercourse once a week and they are both comfortable
with how often they have sex. What can you say about the frequency of sexual
intercourse for this couple?
a. it should be at least twice a day
b. it should be at least twice a week
c. it should be at least twice a month
d. it is ideal for them

Answer: D
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Coitus
Skill: Apply What You Know

64. Betsy thinks there is something wrong with her because when she and her husband
have sex, she has difficulty achieving orgasm from intercourse alone. If Betsy came to
you for advice about this, what would you tell her?
a. If she and her husband used a different position, she would have an orgasm every time.
b. She is probably just too tired to have an orgasm.
c. Her husband is probably a lousy lover.
d. Many women do not achieve orgasm from intercourse alone because the thrusting of
the penis may not provide enough stimulation to the clitoris.

Answer: D
Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Coitus
Skill: Apply What You Know

145
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ESSAY
65. Explain three positive functions of sexual fantasies and their effects.

Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Sexual Fantasy
Skill: Remember the Facts

Responses should consider:


1. Fantasy provides a safe sexual outlet. A fantasy itself does not involve any
physical contact, so there is no danger of pregnancy or STIs. By itself or
combined with masturbation, fantasy can provide a completely safe sexual
experience.
2. Fantasy can enhance arousal. Probably the most common reasons people fantasize
are to increase and enhance their feelings of sexual excitement. Fantasy in a
nonsexual setting has the potential to enhance future sexual encounters, and
fantasy during masturbation or lovemaking can strengthen physical and
psychological responses.
3. Fantasy can relieve boredom. Sex therapists often recommend fantasy to spice up
a couple’s sex life that has become routine and predictable.
4. Fantasy can be used to treat sexual problems. Fantasy, usually combined with
masturbation, is a cornerstone of sex therapy. It has been shown to increase sexual
desire, arousability, orgasm, and sexual satisfaction in general.
5. Fantasy can relieve sexual anxiety, guilt, and doubt. Nearly everyone at one time
or another feels anxiety, guilt, or self-doubt about sexual issues. Fantasy offers an
opportunity to think about sexual values, to replay sexual scenes, and to learn
about one’s sexual identity.

66. Define the term masturbation. Discuss three benefits of masturbation and their
functions.

Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Masturbation
Skill: Remember the Facts

Responses should consider:


Masturbation refers to sexual activities performed on oneself, typically focusing on
stimulation of the genitals to orgasm. Benefits of masturbation include:
• Sexual self-discovery. Masturbation provides a “laboratory” for exploring and
experimenting with one’s own sexual feelings and sensations. This learning
process is important for achieving sexual satisfaction with a partner and in life in
general.
• Release of sexual tension or frustration. Masturbation may be used to alleviate
feelings of sexual frustration resulting from romantic and sexual activities with a
partner that do not lead to orgasm or general sexual tensions that may build up
over time.

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• Enhancement of sexual interactions with a partner. Masturbation appears to be
related to a person’s sexual satisfaction with a partner now and in the future.
Research has shown that people in relationships who masturbate are more
sexually satisfied with their partners and their relationships.
• Resolution of sexual problems, including inhibited sexual desire, premature
ejaculation, difficulty with orgasm, erectile problems, general arousal difficulties,
and delayed orgasm. Many common sexual problems are treated with the help of
masturbation. The therapeutic benefits of masturbation exercises may be part of a
treatment program prescribed by a professional counselor or as a self-help
strategy that individuals or couples may discover on their own.
• Orgasm. Masturbation has been reported, especially by women, as providing the
most reliable and most intense orgasms.
• Relief from stress and depression. Many people who masturbate find it helpful in
relieving stress, tension, sleeplessness, and depressive symptoms that are not
necessarily related to sex activities per se.

67. Discuss the variations in kissing behavior among three different cultures. Explain the
techniques, beliefs, and purposes of kissing in each culture.

Difficulty: Difficult
Topic: Erotic Touch
Skill: Understand the Concepts

Responses should consider:


• Sexual kissing is unknown in many societies. On certain Polynesian islands,
women are orgasmic and sexually active, yet kissing was unknown until
Westerners and their popular films arrived.
• Many tribes across Africa and elsewhere believe that the soul enters and leaves
through the mouth and that a person’s bodily products can be collected and saved
by an enemy for harmful purposes. In these societies, the possible loss of saliva
would cause a kiss to be regarded as a dangerous gesture.
• Forms of mouth or nose contact are common, particularly the “oceanic kiss,”
named for its prevalence among cultures in Oceania. The Tinguians place their
lips near the partner’s face and suddenly inhale. Balinese lovers bring their faces
close enough to catch each other’s perfume and to feel the warmth of the skin,
making contact as the move their heads slightly. The oceanic kiss may be varied
by the placement of the nose and cheek, the vigor of the inhalation, the nature of
the accompanying sounds, the action of the arms, and so on.
• The cultures of China and Japan regarded sexual proficiency as high art, but cared
little for tongue-kissing. In their voluminous displays of erotica, graphic
depictions of every possible sexual position, angle of intercourse, and variation of
partner and setting, mouth-to-mouth kissing is conspicuous by its absence.
Japanese poets have rhapsodized for centuries about the allure of the nape of the
neck, but they have been silent on the mouth; kissing is acceptable only between
mother and child. In Western cultures, the number of nonsexual uses of the kiss is
staggering. It is used for greeting and farewell, affection, religious or ceremonial

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symbolism, deference to a person of high status, among other uses. People kiss
icons, dice, and other objects, in prayer, for luck, or as part of a ritual. Kisses
make the hurt go away, they bless the sacred vestments, or seal a bargain.

68. Discuss three reasons why a person might enjoy oral sex. Discuss three reasons why a
person might feel uncomfortable with oral sex.

Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Oral Sex
Skill: Understand the Concepts

Responses should consider:


Reasons why people like oral sex:
• Most people who engage in oral sex, whether giving or receiving, find it to be an
extremely intimate, pleasurable, and exciting activity.
• Some couples feel that giving and receiving oral sex creates more intense feelings
of intimacy than any other sexual behavior.
• Some people enjoy the feeling of the mutual enjoyment and acceptance of their
partner’s entire body that oral sex represents.
• Most people who engage in oral sex find it a highly physically arousing behavior,
in which stimulation can be focused exactly where and how it feels the best.
• Some find that orgasms achieved through oral sex feel different or better than
those achieved through masturbation, touching, or through intercourse.
• Oral sex can serve as a substitute for sexual intercourse. Some couples who have
made a decision to avoid intercourse due to personal moral beliefs, or for other
reasons, will engage in oral sex as a way of exploring intimacy without
intercourse.
Reasons why people may feel uncomfortable with oral sex:
• Some people believe that oral sex is simply wrong and that it conflicts with their
personal code of acceptable behavior.
• Some people object to the mechanics of the behavior itself. Some people are
concerned that the penis will be pushed too deep into the mouth and throat. Others
are concerned that the inserting partner will ejaculate into the mouth, causing a
gag reflex or other unpleasant reaction.
• Some men and women worry that the smell or taste of their partner’s genitals will
be unpleasant or offensive.

69. Describe two cautions regarding anal intercourse. Discuss two ways to address these
cautions.

Difficulty: Moderate
Topic: Anal Stimulation
Skill: Understand the Concepts

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Copyright © 2016, 2012, 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
Responses should consider:
• Unprotected anal intercourse is the highest-risk sexual behavior for the
transmission of virtually all STIs if the inserting partner is infected. The lining of
the rectum is thin and fragile, and lacks the elastic qualities of the vagina. Also,
the anus and rectum do not produce any natural lubrication upon sexual arousal,
so there is a high likelihood of damage to rectal walls, allowing direct contact of
the inserting partner’s semen with the receiving partner’s bloodstream. If a couple
who are free of STIs wishes to engage in anal intercourse, generous amounts of
artificial lubricant should be used and penetration should be done very slowly and
carefully.
• If the normally harmless bacteria in the anus and rectum are transferred to the
urethra (in men or women), the vagina, or the vulva, they can cause vaginal,
reproductive, and urinary tract infections. Therefore, it is extremely important that
after anal stimulation or anal intercourse, vaginal stimulation or intercourse
should be avoided until the hand, mouth, or penis has been washed or the condom
has been changed.

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Another random document with
no related content on Scribd:
Mefistófeles, apareciendo a la puerta

¡Salid al punto,
o nos perdemos! ¡Miedos mujeriles,
dudas, ayes; y mientras, mis caballos
piafando están, y el alba ya sonríe!

Margarita

¿Qué funesta visión surgió del suelo?


¡Es él! ¡Es él! ¡Es él! ¿Qué buscas, dime,
en el santo lugar? ¡A mí me buscas!

Fausto

¡Has de vivir!

Margarita

¡Mi espíritu recibe,


Eterno Juez!

Mefistófeles, a Fausto

Os dejo en la estacada,
si al punto no venís.

Margarita

Esta infelice
es tuya, ¡oh Padre! ¡Sálvala! Y vosotros,
ángeles, celestiales adalides,
vuestras divinas huestes desplegando
en mi redor, guardadme y conducidme.
¡Enrique! Horror me das.

Mefistófeles

¡Está juzgada!

Voz de arriba

¡Salvada!
Mefistófeles, a Fausto

¡Tú, conmigo!
(Desaparece con Fausto.)

Voz interior, que se va apagando

¡Enrique! ¡Enrique!
BREVE RESEÑA

DE LA SEGUNDA PARTE DE LA TRAGEDIA


BREVE RESEÑA
DE LA SEGUNDA PARTE DE LA TRAGEDIA

ACTO PRIMERO
Goethe dividió en actos la segunda parte de su
tragedia, lo cual no hizo en la primera, quizás por
entender que la rápida sucesión de sus acontecimientos y
episodios no consentía estos intervalos y descansos,
admitidos por casi todos los escritores dramáticos.
En el primer acto de la segunda parte nos presenta a
Fausto adormecido, mientras una falange de Espíritus
aéreos disipa en su corazón los amargos recuerdos y
remordimientos que lo encadenan a la vida real por la
mísera muerte de la infeliz Margarita. Fausto despierta y
parece otro hombre: el hirviente deseo que lo agitó está
desvanecido o, cuando menos, amortiguado por
pensamientos más suaves y tranquilos, y por un
conocimiento más profundo y más severamente filosófico,
de las fuerzas vivas de la Naturaleza, hacia las cuales
parece que el protagonista del drama quiera dirigir su
espíritu investigador. Acompañado de Mefistófeles, llega a
la corte del Emperador, de la cual nos ofrece Goethe
ingeniosa y animadísima pintura. Los apuros de la
hacienda, la anarquía de la administración, el descontento
del pueblo, inducen al Emperador a recibir bien a los dos
misteriosos extranjeros, con mayor motivo porque uno y
otro se dan a conocer por varias señales como seres de
sobrenatural poder. Acepta gozoso su ayuda para la
busca de tesoros ocultos en las entrañas de la tierra, y
ordena que se solemnice el alegre Carnaval, demorando
para el día de Ceniza aquella pesquisa de las suspiradas
riquezas.
La fiesta del Carnaval en la corte del Emperador ofrece
ocasión a Goethe para desplegar su lozana fantasía, y
dar, con símbolos y alegorías mitológicas, ancho campo y
rienda suelta al espíritu satírico que informa casi todo el
poema. Comienza el espectáculo con un coro de lindas y
amables floristas, al que responden en poético lenguaje
las mismas flores con que van adornadas. Pero
interrumpe su alegría la aparición de pescadores,
cazadores, leñadores, parásitos y poetas, que con su
incesante alboroto perturban la fiesta. Entonces el heraldo
que la preside evoca la mitología clásica, y al punto se
presentan en escena las tres Gracias, Aglaya, Hegémone
y Eufrósine, y tras estas las tres Parcas, Átropos, Cloto y
Láquesis, y las tres terribles Furias, Alecto, Megera y
Tisífone.
Nuevas figuras intervienen para animar el júbilo
carnavalesco. En una espléndida carroza aparece
sentada una divinidad poderosísima: es la Victoria. Junto
a ella están el Temor, inquieto y tembloroso; la alegre y
festiva Esperanza; la Prudencia, de ojo avizor. Zoilo-
Tersites, extravagante amalgama de dos personajes de la
antigua Grecia, quiere mover cuestión a la diosa Victoria;
pero el heraldo lo arroja airadamente, y al retirarse fugitivo
se convierte en víbora y en murciélago.
Llega otra carroza; va guiada por un gentil mancebo,
que se llama a sí mismo el genio de la Prodigalidad y de
la Poesía. Aquella carroza es el trono de Pluto, el dios de
la Riqueza, hacia quien todos se vuelven admirados, y
recogen ansiosos los donativos con que los obsequia.
Pero, molestado por las exigencias y la murmuración de la
turbamulta, promueve Pluto un vasto incendio, que
aparece lejano, mientras el gran dios Pan, con las Ninfas,
los Faunos, los Sátiros, los Gnomos y los Gigantes que le
acompañan, toma parte en la mascarada. El incendio
prende en el palacio imperial. Huye en tumulto el pueblo
aterrorizado, y el dios Pluto atrae nieblas y nubarrones,
que desprenden un aguacero muy a tiempo para apagar
el fuego y dar fin a la estrambótica y divertidísima farsa.
Fausto y Mefistófeles no estuvieron ociosos mientras
tanto. Encontraron los tesoros que habían prometido al
Emperador, y con tan feliz hallazgo se pagaron las
deudas, se llenaron las arcas del Tesoro, y volvió a reinar
la tranquilidad en el esquilmado imperio. En esta extraña
escena, Goethe quiso simbolizar el invento del papel-
moneda. La fantasmagoría concluye con el reparto de
dádivas que hace el Emperador a sus súbditos.
Sigue la admirable escena de las Madres. Entre las
varias interpretaciones que los comentaristas del Fausto
dan a estas Madres, parece la más aceptable
considerarlas como las fuerzas elementales de la
Naturaleza, como el principio oculto de las cosas creadas
o por crear. Para comprender esta escena, hay que fijarse
en la pintura que el mismo Goethe hace de las Madres;
parece que el misterio y la incertidumbre de que las ha
rodeado, ayudan a la profunda impresión que el tremendo
episodio debe producir.
El hecho es que, por intercesión de las Madres, puede
el afortunado Fausto evocar y dar vida a los dos tipos de
la belleza clásica, Paris y Helena, y traerlos como
personas vivientes a presencia de la corte, y hacerles
representar el memorable drama amoroso, al que la
poesía griega erigió un monumento inmortal. Pero Fausto,
impaciente y ya enamorado de la helénica beldad, no
recuerda que su evocación es un nuevo fantasma de
apariencia vana, y queriendo estrechar entre sus brazos
la ideal figura, rompe el encanto, y todo concluye entre
sombras y vapores, que se desvanecen.

ACTO SEGUNDO
En este acto, más que en los otros, el autor se
aproxima a la primera parte de la tragedia. Destruido el
encanto de la suave aparición de Helena y Paris por la
fogosa imprudencia de Fausto, Mefistófeles no encuentra
mejor partido que conducir a su enamorado señor al
antiguo aposento, donde comenzó el poema y fue
estipulado el diabólico contrato de compra-venta del alma
del Doctor. Mefistófeles reconoce aquel lugar; le complace
ver nuevamente en el mismo sitio todos los objetos del
melancólico gabinete de estudio, y para que nada se le
esconda, encuentra seca en el filo de la pluma la gota de
sangre que sirvió para la firma de aquella acta infernal. Un
coro de insectos, que de improviso sale del viejo ropón de
Fausto, que Mefistófeles por capricho ha descolgado de la
percha, festeja el inesperado regreso del docto maestro.
Recibe otra vez el infernal personaje a aquel inexperto
estudiante, que fue a visitarle en la primera parte del
poema, y obtuvo de él tales consejos, que se enamoró
locamente de una filosofía falaz, y se convirtió en erudito
vulgar, lleno de sofismas y paradojas. Esta segunda
escena entre Mefistófeles y el Bacalaureus rivaliza con la
primera por su gracia cómica y su finísima sátira; y su
efecto aún es mayor porque el lector la enlaza con aquella
y saborea mejor sus donaires. Bien se comprende que el
autor quiso poner en solfa los sistemas filosóficos que en
su época señoreaban la Alemania; y enemigo, como era,
de todas las filosofías nebulosas y de las teorías
falsamente innovadoras, las combatió con el arma del
ridículo.
Sin salir del domicilio de Fausto, entramos en el
laboratorio de Wagner, donde el antiguo pedante, eunuco
de la ciencia, quiere remedar a Prometeo y a Pigmalión,
creando de nuevo al hombre con las extravagantes
mezcolanzas de la alquimia. Suda y trasuda años y más
años en la magna empresa; y no la llevaría a cabo, si no
recibiera a tiempo la ayuda de Mefistófeles, que se burla
de él. Del ardiente hornillo donde hierve la mágica
redoma, ve surgir, por fin, el esperado fruto, una criatura,
que no es humana todavía, pero aspira a serlo; no es el
hombre, pero es Homúnculus, singular creación, en la
cual el poeta amalgama un concepto filosófico y literario, y
una idea soberanamente satírica. Homúnculus,
Mefistófeles y Fausto, como tres peregrinos, van en busca
de la belleza helénica, es decir, del clasicismo verdadero y
propio, con lo cual pretendía sin duda Goethe enlazar la
poesía nueva con la antigua, como si una y otra fuesen
partes de un mismo todo, destellos de una misma luz,
para lo cual aprovechaba el poeta esta figura del
Homúnculus, como anillo dialéctico entre las dos poesías,
entre las dos literaturas, entre los dos mundos. Wagner
queda solo y desconsolado en el solitario laboratorio,
porque es el hombre que no siente el fecundo palpitar de
la vida nueva, la cual se desprende del espectáculo y del
ejemplo de la belleza helénica.
Resulta, pues, que el héroe del drama, su protagonista
activo, es Fausto, despierto ya del terrible sopor en que
cayó cuando quiso abrazar el fantasma de Helena.
Homúnculus y Mefistófeles tienen también su papel, su
actividad propia; pero subordinada a la acción y a la
finalidad de Fausto; y aun cuando se muevan y se agiten,
serán siempre, en el drama fantástico de la Noche clásica,
personajes secundarios, colocados allí para iluminar
mejor el carácter del actor principal, y para que aparezca
más claro el concepto profundo del autor.
El romanticismo, con todos sus tétricos resplandores,
fue delineado admirablemente por Goethe en la Noche de
Santa Valpurgis (primera parte de la tragedia). En la
Noche clásica, el poeta hace gala de todo el clasicismo de
la antigüedad, y con audaces vuelos nos presenta
renacidas las amables creaciones de la mitología y de la
poesía griega. La gallarda creación de Goethe se une al
drama por un hilo sutil, el amor a la hermosa Helena, que
llena el corazón de Fausto; y súbitamente vemos a los
tres aéreos viajeros, Mefistófeles, Homúnculus y Fausto,
que descienden a los campos de Farsalia, los dos
primeros en busca de las deidades y de la belleza
antigua, y el último ansioso de encontrar a la hermosa
fugitiva.
Mefistófeles se siente algún tanto embarazado, y
comprende que no podrá dominar aquel mundo, para él
desconocido. Pasa como de incógnito entre las Esfinges,
que se burlan de él, y aunque asombrado por el canto
dulcísimo de las Sirenas, su corazón de diablo no se
conmueve, y el delicioso espectáculo que por todas partes
se le presenta no le inspira más que aburrimiento y enojo.
Mientras tanto, Fausto, persuadido por las Esfinges,
busca al centauro Quirón, para que le dé nuevas de
Helena. Lo encuentra cuando va a pasar a la orilla
opuesta del Peneo; monta sobre sus lomos, y el buen
centauro, apiadado de la amorosa herida de su audaz
jinete, lo conduce ante la hija de Esculapio para que lo
cure.
Fausto se oculta en las entrañas de la tierra; esta
tiembla, agitada por un terremoto, y la fecunda revolución
de la Naturaleza forma una nueva y gigantesca montaña,
que se puebla en seguida de Grifos, Pigmeos, Dáctilos,
Imsios, hormigas y grullas, singular multitud, evocada por
la poderosa imaginación del poeta, extraña mezcla de lo
antiguo y lo moderno, que se rechaza y entrechoca al
principio y después parece que armónicamente se una,
como para simbolizar el consorcio del clasicismo y el
romanticismo. Tampoco a Mefistófeles le van mal las
cosas, porque tropezando con las Fórcides, las antiguas
Gorgonias, las atrae con el irresistible reclamo de la
adulación y logra trasfundir su ser en una de ellas. Al
llegar a este punto, la escena cambia súbitamente, y entre
las rocas del Mar Egeo, vuelven las seductoras Sirenas a
gobernar la noche tenebrosa de los encantamientos.
Aparecen Nereidas y Tritones; en el mar y sus riberas
suenan extraños cantos; llegan Nereo y Proteo, y
Homúnculus, espíritu elemental del fuego, despide rayos
de luz fosforescentes; pero, apenas se aproxima el
brillante carro de nácar donde se asienta la hermosa
Galatea, se inflama con todo el ardor que dentro de sí
alimentaba, y va a diluirse en las purpúreas aguas del
mar. Así termina la admirable noche en que se celebran
las nupcias de los elementos, por la poética fusión de la
belleza y del amor.

ACTO TERCERO
El acto tercero de la segunda parte de la tragedia es
una de las más espléndidas creaciones del ingenio de
Goethe; es la prueba mejor de su vasta cultura literaria y
del exquisito gusto que lo elevó sobre los demás poetas
alemanes en todo lo que sea pureza, elegancia y
exactitud de la forma. El episodio de Helena, comenzado
ya en las escenas precedentes, y envuelto hasta ahora en
el nebuloso trascendentalismo que flota ligeramente sobre
todo el poema dramático, brilla en este acto con límpida
luz, y se desenvuelve como parte esencialísima de la
composición.
Terminada la Noche clásica de Santa Valpurgis, el
autor toma de nuevo el hilo del drama, anudándolo a las
fantasías de aquella noche, de tal manera, que no
aparece claro dónde termina el ensueño y dónde prosigue
la tragedia, ni por qué, con atrevidísimo vuelo a través de
los siglos, el poeta nos lleva otra vez a Esparta y nos
introduce en el palacio de Menelao. Bien podemos decir
que Goethe en esta escena es un continuador de
Homero, y con él compite por la precisión y el esplendor
de las imágenes, por la suprema belleza del estilo, y por
el sabor completamente helénico, que no desentona de
los diversos estilos que se entrelazan y armónicamente se
confunden en otros pasajes de la obra.
Helena regresa a la mansión conyugal después de las
afortunadas vicisitudes de aquella terrible guerra; pero un
presentimiento misterioso, una inquietud incesante la
molesta y no la engaña. La aguarda a la puerta de la casa
una horrorosa fórcide y le impide la entrada a ella y a sus
doncellas con violentas amenazas, anunciándole la
venganza terrible del engañado esposo. Para librarse de
ella, Helena se dispone a buscar un nuevo Paris que la
defienda; y con ello el autor se propuso, además de
satisfacer el insaciable deseo de Fausto, maniático
perseguidor de la belleza antigua, dar también una
pincelada satírica a la pintura de las mujeres del temple
de Helena.
Despliéganse otra vez todas las pompas y la riqueza
de la nueva poesía. El terror de la muerte augurada por la
fórcide a Helena y al coro atemorizado, les mueve a
buscar refugio en el castillo encantado de Fausto, castillo
enriquecido con todas las magnificencias que una fantasía
inflamada como la de Goethe, era capaz de imaginar. Las
licenciosas servidoras de Helena, encantadas por el
seductor espectáculo, olvidan los peligros corridos, y a la
vista de los mancebos gallardos que preparan el trono
real, piensan en nuevos placeres. El enamorado Fausto
se presenta rodeado de todos los esplendores y las galas
de que pudiera alardear el señor más poderoso de la
Edad Media. Pone a los pies de la reina todos sus
homenajes, y se le ofrece amante fervoroso, obediente
siervo y vasallo leal. En vano el incauto Menelao trata de
renovar la sangrienta contienda por la cual fue Troya
destruida; las falanges sobrenaturales que acatan las
órdenes de Fausto, desbaratan súbitamente el ejército
enemigo. Nada se opone a los amorosos transportes del
nuevo Paris; y la gentil pareja, sumida en los dulces
misterios del amor, goza una vida de sin igual deleite.
El poeta finge que de las nupcias de Helena y Fausto
nace Euforión, simbolismo de la poesía moderna. Es
muchacho e inexperto aún; pero animoso, procaz y
turbulento. Sus padres temen por él a cada paso, dudosos
de que sus juveniles fuerzas le sostengan en los atrevidos
vuelos a que se aventura. Las amonestaciones del padre,
las tiernas súplicas de la madre, no lo detienen, y
lanzándose al espacio desconocido, resplandece con una
luz que parece inmortal; pero pronto se pierde y se disipa,
como un cometa desvanecido en el cielo. Un canto
fúnebre del coro es la afectuosa y triste elegía a la
memoria del joven prematuramente perdido, en quien
Goethe parece haber querido representar la noble figura
de lord Byron.
Muerto Euforión, la dolorida Helena abraza por última
vez a Fausto y se desvanece también. Sus vestiduras,
transformadas en nieblas, envuelven a Fausto y lo
remontan a la serena región del espacio. Destruido así el
hechizo, la vieja fórcide se quita la máscara: era
Mefistófeles.
ACTO CUARTO
En el acto cuarto, el autor nos lleva otra vez a los
Estados del Emperador. El recuerdo de lo que ha visto ha
promovido en Fausto nuevos e inusitados pensamientos,
y con ellos anda preocupado, cuando Mefistófeles, que
vuelve más solícito que nunca al servicio de su
compañero, le anuncia que el Emperador pasa grandes
apuros porque su reino es presa de la anarquía más
espantosa. Las ciudades se han enguerrado unas contra
otras; los señores feudales luchan también entre sí; los
plebeyos se sublevan contra los nobles; hasta los obispos
cuestionan con el cabildo o con las parroquias. Fausto se
apiada del Emperador, y Mefistófeles vuelve a
comprometerse a salvarlo, apelando otra vez a los
encantamientos y las hechicerías.
Hétenos ya en el campo de batalla, donde el poder
diabólico de Mefistófeles ha congregado a los Espíritus
para combatir a favor del Emperador. Ya las tropas que
habían permanecido fieles cedían y se retiraban ante el
empuje del enemigo; ya el Antiemperador miraba próximo
el triunfo; pero las formidables legiones del infierno,
evocadas por Mefistófeles, cambian el éxito de la guerra y
dan el triunfo al legítimo soberano. Vuelven a la
obediencia los vasallos, restablécese la paz en las
provincias alteradas, y el príncipe, aconsejado por el
arzobispo, se arrepiente de haber aceptado la ayuda de
las fuerzas infernales, y tranquiliza su conciencia con el
donativo de extensos territorios a favor de la Iglesia.

ACTO QUINTO
La unidad de tiempo no es, en verdad, la regla que más
haya seguido Goethe en su admirable tragedia. El quinto
acto de la segunda parte, en el cual se resume todo el
concepto de la obra, nos presenta el cuadro de Fausto
envejecido. ¿Por qué vicisitudes ha pasado desde que
obtuvo del Emperador, en pago de su salvación, vastos
dominios? ¿Cómo el inquieto e insaciable Doctor procuró
satisfacer el ardiente deseo que lo empuja siempre en
busca de tentadoras novedades? Han pasado muchos
años en el intervalo del cuarto al quinto acto.
Encontramos a Fausto señor poderoso de tierras y
lugares, domador audaz de las enemigas fuerzas de la
Naturaleza, ocupado en robar a la playa del mar las
estériles landas para que las fecunde la mano del hombre
y sean fuente de bienestar y prosperidad. Parece, pues,
que haya encontrado por fin un objeto digno de la preclara
inteligencia que Dios le concedió; pero el amarguísimo
recuerdo de su vida, llena de errores, de culpas y de
crímenes, lo martiriza y no le deja momento de reposo.
Está convencido de que la inteligencia humana no puede
traspasar los límites que se le pusieron, y reconoce que la
actividad del espíritu tiene en el mundo campo bastante
extenso, sin empeñarse en la vana averiguación de los
misterios de la Naturaleza. Pero ha comprado demasiado
caro el conocimiento de esta gran verdad, para que pueda
vivir tranquilo y sereno. Recibe con indiferencia y con
fruncida frente las mercaderías que de lejanas tierras le
traen sus buques para aumentar su riqueza y poderío; no
le entusiasma el espectáculo de los bosques, de los
prados, de las aldeas, que por obra suya surgen de
aquellas dunas infructíferas, que azotaban poco antes las
marinas olas; y fijando continuamente la mirada en la
pobre cabaña y la modesta alameda de tilos, que no le
pertenecen, desea poseerlos como el objeto más
precioso, y no descansa hasta que las llamas destruyen
aquel asilo de paz. En el incendio mueren los míseros
habitantes de aquel tugurio, y este es el último crimen del
formidable señor. Cuatro viejas, fantasmas pavorosos, se
aproximan en las altas horas de la noche al castillo de
Fausto: son el Hambre, la Deuda, la Miseria y la Zozobra.
No pueden entrar las tres primeras en aquel alcázar; pero
penetra la última, y no dejará a Fausto hasta el sepulcro.
Esta escena, por la sobriedad de sus terribles tintas,
rivaliza con las más hermosas de Shakespeare, y anuncia
la catástrofe de la tragedia. El anciano magnate queda
ciego, y percibe en el fondo del alma una luz nueva, que
le ilumina la mente; un último esfuerzo de la voluntad le
impulsa para apresurar la realización del propósito que
hace muchos años perseguía, y complaciéndose en la
esperanza de vivir en un Estado libre entre hombres
libres, cumple el voto de su alma, y pide al fugaz
momento que se detenga. Esta es su última palabra:
Fausto muere; su alma inmortal, arrebatada por los
ángeles a las abiertas fauces del infierno, sube ansiosa al
cielo, donde le aguarda entre coros paradisíacos el alma
hermosa de Margarita.

La escena de la ascensión de Fausto parece que el


autor la haya ideado para borrar las tristes impresiones
que se reciben en el transcurso de la tragedia.
Mefistófeles ha desaparecido para siempre, arrojado por
los ángeles en la extraña lucha que sigue a la muerte del
viejo Doctor, y con Mefistófeles desaparece también la
sarcástica ironía, en que está impregnado todo el libro.
Estamos en otro ambiente, en el que suenan armonías
dulcísimas e himnos celestiales, a los que se une la
conmovedora plegaria de Margarita intercediendo por el
alma de su amado. El amor, que fue burlado en el mundo,
obtiene de este modo el premio en el cielo, y resplandece
en torno de él una poesía verdaderamente sublime.

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