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

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

3. How many visitors did Beckett expect?
(a) One.
(b) None.
(c) Three.
(d) Four.

4. What does Becket call "the springtime fancy?"
(a) The impossible, the undesirable .
(b) Acrimony.
(c) Leave-well-alone.
(d) Ceremony.

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

Short Answer Questions

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

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

3. Who does Becket say saved him from the wrath of his enemies?

4. What ruler of England does the Second Priest refer to as "the stubborn King?"

5. What does the Messenger say were the last words of Thomas Becket to the King of England before the Archbishop's exile?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why would Becket say this is his last sermon?

3. What does Becket see as being ironic about the peace God offered?

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

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

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

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

8. After the temptations, what do the Priests want Becket to do? Why?

9. Who does the Fourth Knight believe truly killed Thomas Becket? What is his proof that this is true?

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

(see the answer keys)

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