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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Who are the first two characters who speak of "the wheel" on separate occasions?
(a) The First Priest and the First Tempter.
(b) The Chorus and Thomas Becket.
(c) The Third Priest and Thomas Becket.
(d) The First Priest and the Second Priest.

2. What does the First Tempter tell Becket he remembers?
(a) The hard times of the poor.
(b) The good time past.
(c) His loyalty to the king.
(d) The danger he is in.

3. What is one thing the Third Tempter and his party want from Beckett?
(a) The blessing of God.
(b) Favor from the Church.
(c) Money.
(d) Happiness for the People of England.

4. What is not one of the ways the Chorus, the priests and the Tempters describe an unexpected death?
(a) Taking a shock to the skull.
(b) Attacked by dogs.
(c) Drowning in a ditch.
(d) Slipping on a step.

5. What ruler of England does the Second Priest refer to as "the stubborn King?"
(a) Richard I.
(b) Henry II.
(c) James I.
(d) Edward III.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Becket claim is the "substance of our first act?"

2. What does the Chorus claim is their purpose in the action of the play?

3. What does the Second Tempter tell Beckett he will be like if he continues on course?

4. How does the Second Tempter claim real power is purchased?

5. What does the First Tempter predict for Becket if he does not "leave well alone?"

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the Chorus fear the "love of God?"

2. What is a method that Becket uses to outline his sermon in the Interlude?

3. What does Becket mean when he states to the Priests, "The moment foreseen may be unexpected when it arrives?"

4. What might be a reason Becket chose to do this speech?

5. What is the meaning of the urgency behind the Knight's demands upon entering the scene?

6. What is life like for the Chorus of women in Canterbury?

7. According to Becket, what did God mean when he told his disciples "My peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you."

8. Why is it that Becket believes a martyr is never an accident?

9. Before Becket is dragged to the altar by the Three Priests, he seems at peace. How is this possible?

10. At the beginning of Part II, how does the Chorus describe the oncoming Spring? What do you think Eliot intended it to relay the audience?

(see the answer keys)

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