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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. According to the Third Tempter, what does friendship depend upon?
(a) Circumstance.
(b) Happiness.
(c) Peace.
(d) Time.

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

4. How many visitors did Beckett expect?
(a) Three.
(b) None.
(c) Four.
(d) One.

5. What does Becket claim is the "substance of our first act?"
(a) God and his greatness.
(b) Shadows, and the strife with shadows.
(c) Temptation, and the life with temptation.
(d) God and his mercy.

6. 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) An old dog, circled with wolves.
(d) A young doe, circled with wolves.

7. How does the Third Tempter describe himself?
(a) A surly English peasant
(b) A man who is rich in spirit
(c) A rough and angry follower of the king
(d) A rough, straightforward Englishman.

8. How does the Fourth Tempter claim Beckett can have ultimate glory and power over the King of England?
(a) By killing the King.
(b) By becoming the Chancellor again.
(c) By becoming a martyr.
(d) By giving his money to the people.

9. What month does the Second Tempter say Beckett will have power?
(a) The last from the first.
(b) The last to the last.
(c) The first to the second.
(d) The first.

10. What group of people does the Chorus consist of?
(a) The Poor of Canterbury.
(b) The Women of Canturbury.
(c) The Ghosts of Canterbury.
(d) The Hand of God.

11. According to the Chorus, what does the Archbishop bring into Canterbury?
(a) War.
(b) Wealth.
(c) Joy.
(d) Death.

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

13. Why is the fourth visitor the most successful Tempter?
(a) He makes peace between Beckett and the King.
(b) He helps Beckett find peace.
(c) He voices Beckett's own desires.
(d) He represents the people.

14. What important message does the Messenger convey to the Priests?
(a) The Archbishop has left France.
(b) The Pope has excommunicated the King
(c) The King has ordered the execution of Thomas Becket.
(d) The Archbishop has arrived at the city.

15. How does the chorus define its time in Canterbury since the Archbishop left seven years previous?
(a) Dying and partly dying.
(b) Living and partly dying.
(c) Living and partly living.
(d) Living and partly suffering.

Short Answer Questions

1. "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?

2. After the first scene featuring the three Priests, the Chorus speaks again. What do they wish the Archbishop to do?

3. When will the First Tempter remember Becket?

4. What ruler of England does the Second Priest refer to as "the stubborn King?"

5. What does Becket call "the springtime fancy?"

(see the answer keys)

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