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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. In Part One, where does the action of the play take place?
(a) The Cathedral.
(b) The King's palace.
(c) The Archbishop's hall.
(d) Outside the gates of the Cathedral.

2. What does the Second Tempter tell Beckett he will be like if he continues on course?
(a) An old stag, circled with hounds.
(b) A young doe, circled with wolves.
(c) An old dog, circled with wolves.
(d) An old fox, circled with hounds.

3. How does the Second Tempter claim real power is purchased?
(a) At price of a certain submission.
(b) At price of his immortal soul.
(c) At price of his devotion to God.
(d) At price of an uncertain quantity.

4. 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 giving his money to the people.
(c) By becoming the Chancellor again.
(d) By becoming a martyr.

5. Who does the Third Tempter represent?
(a) The People of Canterbury.
(b) English Merchants.
(c) English barons.
(d) The King.

Short Answer Questions

1. What character(s) opens the play with the first monologue?

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

3. How does the chorus define its time in Canterbury since the Archbishop left seven years previous?

4. How does the Chorus describe itself?

5. Fill in the blank: "I leave you to the pleasure of your __________, Which will have to be paid for at ______________."

Short Essay Questions

1. Why was the Fourth Tempter most effective in his temptation compared to the other three?

2. What does the First Tempter use to entice Thomas Becket?

3. What is the tone of the Chorus' "death-bringers" speech after the Knights exit for the first time?

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

5. What is special about the day the Interlude takes place?

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

7. How long has Thomas Becket been away from Canterbury? Why has he chosen to stay away for so long?

8. How does the Chorus perceive the actions of the play and its part in it?

9. Explain what is offered by the Second Tempter and why it would appeal to Thomas Beckett

10. What is the importance of the banners that the Priests enter with and the mention of all of Saints?

(see the answer keys)

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