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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. What is the last word of the Interlude?
(a) Peace.
(b) God.
(c) Canterbury.
(d) Amen.

3. Out of the following choices, which would be the least likely reason behind the sermon?
(a) To prepare his followers for his death.
(b) To celebrate martyrdom.
(c) To help define peace for his congregation.
(d) To submit to the Tempters.

4. What is another way Beckett defines peace?
(a) The swept hearth.
(b) The stillness of water.
(c) The setting sun.
(d) The sleeping dog.

5. Fill in the blanks: "For who on the world will both _______ and ________ at once and for the same reason?"
(a) Stay; go.
(b) Mourn; rejoice.
(c) Rejoice; weep.
(d) Laugh; weep.

6. Why does Beckett believe we should celebrate martyrs?
(a) Neither.
(b) Both.
(c) They die for the salvation of men.
(d) They do it for the glory of God.

7. What does Beckett believe about the peace that the world was promised?
(a) It's strange since the world has constantly been at war.
(b) It's frightening since there have been no angels seen since.
(c) It's laughable since no one has ever felt that peace they were promised.
(d) Nothing, he and the people of Canterbury contnue to lead mundane lives.

8. Why was the Tempter successful?
(a) Beckett makes peace with the King.
(b) Beckett plans for an escape.
(c) Beckett ends up accepting his fate.
(d) Beckett makes peace with the barons.

9. From what Gospel does Beckett quote in the opening of his sermon?
(a) John
(b) Genesis
(c) Michael
(d) Luke

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

11. What was NOT one of the events that Becket describes in the lives of the disciples?
(a) Travel.
(b) Peace.
(c) Imprisonment.
(d) Disappointment.

12. What is the best way to define the style in which T.S. Eliot wrote the Interlude?
(a) Dialogue
(b) Poetry
(c) Monologue
(d) Blank verse.

13. Who might be the least likely character to show up to Beckett's sermon?
(a) Thomas Beckett.
(b) The Tempters.
(c) The Priests.
(d) The Chorus..

14. What may be one of the reasons for this sermon?
(a) To frighten his followers into submission.
(b) To help him forgivethe King.
(c) To make the congregation sad.
(d) To explain his actions to himself and his followers.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. At what time of day does the sermon take place?

2. Defined by Beckett, who was the first martyr whose sacrifice is celebrated the day after Christmas?

3. What is another way Beckett refuses to define a martyr?

4. What is another observation Beckett has about his approaching murder?

5. What would be the most likely reaction of the Canterbury people that this is Beckett's last sermon?

(see the answer keys)

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