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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is one of the reasons Beckett would allow himself to be killed?
(a) To prove the King wrong.
(b) To aid in the salvation of man.
(c) For the glory of martyrdom.
(d) For revenge.

2. At what time of day does the sermon take place?
(a) Evening.
(b) Morning.
(c) Afternoon.
(d) Midnight.

3. Knowing what you know about the situation Beckett is in and his character traits, what might be the most likely way to describe Beckett's state of being after his last speech to his flock?
(a) Hopelessness.
(b) Disappointment.
(c) Anger.
(d) Resignation.

4. To Beckett, what is martyrdom?
(a) An act of chance.
(b) It is always a request of angels.
(c) It is the result of cruel men.
(d) It is always the design of God.

5. What is NOT one of the things that Beckett says they rejoice in?
(a) Christ coming for the salvation of men.
(b) The Christmas pageant.
(c) Taking Communion.
(d) The sacrifice of Christ for our sins.

6. What is one way that Beckett defines peace?
(a) The kingdom of England at peace with its neighbors.
(b) The entire world at peace with no war in sight.
(c) The people of Canterbury at peace with their fate.
(d) The Pope at peace with the King.

7. What literary tool does T.S. Eliot use throughout the Interlude?
(a) String of consciousness.
(b) Foreshadowing.
(c) Hyperbole.
(d) Free verse.

8. What, according to Beckett, is reenacted during Mass?
(a) The Resurrection of Christ.
(b) The Passion and Death of Christ.
(c) The Miracles of Christ.
(d) The Birth of Christ.

9. Which is NOT an adjective you might use to define Beckett's sermon?
(a) Ominous.
(b) Bitter.
(c) Accepting.
(d) Passionate.

10. Beckett asks the congregation to think about the meaning of what word?
(a) War.
(b) God.
(c) Peace.
(d) Sacrifice.

11. Who was NOT mentioned in Beckett's sermon?
(a) St. Stephen.
(b) The Holy Innocents.
(c) Shepards of bethlehem.
(d) The disciples.

12. What does Beckett see himself as, in reference to his definitions of martyrdom?
(a) A simple man.
(b) A brave man.
(c) An instrument of God.
(d) A messenger.

13. What would be the most likely reaction of the Canterbury people that this is Beckett's last sermon?
(a) None of these.
(b) Apathy and boredom.
(c) Happiness and celebration.
(d) Shock and confusion.

14. How does Beckett close his sermon?
(a) In Christ's name.
(b) Peace on earth, and goodwill toward men.
(c) In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
(d) God bless us, every one.

15. What is another observation Beckett has about his approaching murder?
(a) He may not be the last martyr.
(b) His death will shame the King.
(c) His murder will shock the world.
(d) He will be the first martyr of Canterbury.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who might be the least likely character to show up to Beckett's sermon?

2. Why does Beckett tell the people that he may never preach to them again?

3. What is NOT a reason that Beckett gives for God choosing to have martyrs?

4. According to Beckett, who was the Lord speaking to when he said, "My peace I leave you, my peace I give unto you?"

5. What might be the purpose of the Interlude?

(see the answer keys)

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