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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What position did Becket resign when he was made Archbishop?
(a) Ambassador.
(b) King.
(c) Chancellor.
(d) Bishop.

2. What does the Second Tempter tell Beckett he will be like if he continues on course?
(a) An old fox, circled with hounds.
(b) An old stag, circled with hounds.
(c) A young doe, circled with wolves.
(d) An old dog, circled with wolves.

3. What is the first action that the Second Priest wants to take to welcome the Archbishop back to Canterbury?
(a) Throw a celebration in his honor.
(b) Lead a prayer.
(c) Have the fires lit in his rooms.
(d) Have a feast.

4. What does the Third Tempter believe upon his arrival?
(a) He was expected.
(b) He is in danger.
(c) He was unexpected.
(d) He is there to cause confusion.

5. How does the Second Tempter claim real power is purchased?
(a) At price of his immortal soul.
(b) At price of a certain submission.
(c) At price of his devotion to God.
(d) At price of an uncertain quantity.

6. Finish the thought of the First Tempter: "A man will often love what he ______."
(a) Sees.
(b) Hates.
(c) Spurns.
(d) Misses.

7. What does the First Tempter predict for Becket if he does not "leave well alone?"
(a) His fat lady will sing.
(b) God will show his wrath.
(c) Everything will be set right.
(d) HIs goose may be cooked.

8. What does the Messenger say were the last words of Thomas Becket to the King of England before the Archbishop's exile?
(a) My Lord, I leave you as a man, whom you shall not see again for seven years.
(b) My Lord, I leave you as a man, whom you shall see again as an angel.
(c) My Lord, I leave you as a man whom in this life I shall not see again.
(d) My Lord, I leave England, a land I shall not see again.

9. What is the first idea that Becket relates to his audience and what does he insist that the Chorus "know and do not know?"
(a) The world is suffering and they are the world.
(b) Suffering is everything and everything is suffering.
(c) Life is suffering and suffering is death.
(d) Action is suffering and suffering is action.

10. "The wheel" is spoken of time and time again. In one instance Becket says that "Only the fool, fixed in his folly, may think he can turn the wheel on which he turns." What is the idea of a wheel supposed to symbolize?
(a) Fate.
(b) Love.
(c) The Past.
(d) Death.

11. What is not one of the events of the past seven years that the Chorus describes?
(a) The disappearance of several girls.
(b) The town burning down.
(c) A good harvest.
(d) Brewing beer.

12. Who does Becket say saved him from the wrath of his enemies?
(a) John, the Dean of Salisbury.
(b) King Henry II.
(c) The King of France.
(d) The Pope.

13. In Part One, where does the action of the play take place?
(a) The Cathedral.
(b) The Archbishop's hall.
(c) Outside the gates of the Cathedral.
(d) The King's palace.

14. What does the Chorus claim is their purpose in the action of the play?
(a) To warn Thomas Becket.
(b) To witness the events and take no action.
(c) To serve the Priests of the Cathedral.
(d) To prevent a murder.

15. Why does Beckett believe that the local bishops would not support a power move like regaining his Chancellorship?
(a) Because the Pope excommunicated Beckett.
(b) Because the Pope would not allow it.
(c) Because he excommunicated them.
(d) Because the King would not allow it.

Short Answer Questions

1. How many visitors did Beckett expect?

2. What metaphor does the Third Priest use to compare the relationship between the King and the Archbishop?

3. Why is the fourth visitor the most successful Tempter?

4. How does the Third Tempter describe himself?

5. What does the First Priest believe was Becket's character flaw that ultimately brought an end to his friendship with the King?

(see the answer keys)

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