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

2. What does Beckett believe to be the last temptation and what he fears the most?
(a) Dying.
(b) Doing the thing you cannot do.
(c) Doing the right deed for the wrong reason.
(d) Doing the wrong thing for the right reason.

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

4. What is the first action that the Second Priest wants to take to welcome the Archbishop back to Canterbury?
(a) Have the fires lit in his rooms.
(b) Have a feast.
(c) Throw a celebration in his honor.
(d) Lead a prayer.

5. What is the first idea that Becket relates to his audience and what does he insist that the Chorus "know and do not know?"
(a) Life is suffering and suffering is death.
(b) The world is suffering and they are the world.
(c) Action is suffering and suffering is action.
(d) Suffering is everything and everything is suffering.

Short Answer Questions

1. After the first scene featuring the three Priests, the Chorus speaks again. What do they wish the Archbishop to do?

2. What is the first word that Becket speaks on his first entrance?

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

4. What is not one of the events of the past seven years that the Chorus describes?

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. How do the Priests define the meaning of "to-day?"

2. In his address to the audience, the Third Knight claims that they are "perfectly disinterested." What does he mean?

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

4. According to Becket, how do we define peace?

5. As Becket is being slaughtered, the Chorus speaks. What the the main idea behind their speech?

6. After the temptations, what do the Chorus want Becket to do? Why?

7. What is the opinion of the three priests on the subject of Becket's homecoming to Canterbury?

8. Describe how the town of Canterbury feels about Becket's return and why.

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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