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

2. What metaphor does the Third Priest use to compare the relationship between the King and the Archbishop?
(a) Fire and water.
(b) A wolf and a sheep.
(c) A hammer and an anvil.
(d) A rock and a hard place.

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

4. "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?
(a) Love.
(b) Death.
(c) The Past.
(d) Fate.

5. What does the Messenger call the relationship between the King and the Archbishop?
(a) A peaceful affair.
(b) A silly affair.
(c) A patched-up affair.
(d) A violent affair.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What position did Becket resign when he was made Archbishop?

3. What is it that the Second Tempter offers Becket?

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

5. Why does Beckett believe that the local bishops would not support a power move like regaining his Chancellorship?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the part of King Henry II in the play and what is his relationship with Becket?

2. Why does Becket tell the Chorus to be at peace as they lament and ask for forgiveness?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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