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

2. What doesn't the Third Priest see in "the art of temporal government?"
(a) Duplicity.
(b) Violence.
(c) Frequent Malversation.
(d) Intrigue.

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

4. According to the information in the opening monologue, how many years have passed since the Archbishop has left the city?
(a) Seven.
(b) Twelve.
(c) Five.
(d) Twenty.

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

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. How does the Third Tempter describe himself?

3. What, according to the First Tempter, "should be more than biting Time can sever?"

4. What is not one of the ways the Chorus, the priests and the Tempters describe an unexpected death?

5. What important message does the Messenger convey to the Priests?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do the Priests continually attempt to save Becket from the Knights even after orders from him to allow fate to take its course?

2. 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?

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

4. How does Becket get the Priests to unbar the door and allow the Knights to enter?

5. What is a literary tool that Becket uses in writing the interlude?

6. What is the initial and more general accusation the Knights' hold against the Archbishop?

7. How does the Chorus feel about Becket's return to England?

8. How does Becket believe you cannot define a martyr?

9. Looking at the Interlude, how was the Fourth Tempter successful? How was he unsuccessful in his aims?

10. Taking into consideration the many opportunities to escape his fate, his many followers begging him to change course, and Becket's own prideful nature, why would Becket choose the path of martyrdom?

(see the answer keys)

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