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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What group of people does the Chorus consist of?

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

3. Why is the fourth visitor the most successful Tempter?

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

5. What month does the Second Tempter say Beckett will have power?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when the Priests enter at the beginning of Part II to change the ambiance of the play? Do you believe it is effective?

2. What does Thomas Becket do to attempt to have a safe passage back into England?

3. Why does the Third Tempter state that joining forces with the barony would be a good idea?

4. Before Becket is dragged to the altar by the Three Priests, he seems at peace. How is this possible?

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

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

7. What is Becket's relationship to his congregation?

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

9. Was Thomas Becket prepared for his temptations?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Interlude is the sermon Becket gives on Christmas Day. He says it may be his last.

1) Who is this sermon directed to? What is his relationship to them?

2) What is the main argument of his speech and what are the points that lead up to his conclusion?

3) What is the purpose of this final sermon? What does he want from the audience? How does he make it an effective speech?

Essay Topic 2

There are many references to the broken relationship between Becket and King Henry II. What was their personal and political relationship like before their falling out? What were Becket's crimes against the monarchy, and what did Henry do to instigate them? What has their relationship consisted of since Becket returned to England? How have they changed? Use examples from the text to back your assertions.

a) Using what you know about the two characters, whose side would you back based on your own political and spiritual outlook? Why?

Essay Topic 3

The Chorus often references their inability to act. At one point during their speech regarding the "death-bringers", they even go so far as to use words like "mastered," "subdued" and "violated." How does the chorus tie the idea of helplessness to the idea of being violated?

1) Do you believe Eliot illustrates a feminist or anti-feminist perspective in the characterization of the Chorus and their words?

2) Cite examples from the Chorus' speeches. What maintains their subordination throughout the play?

3) How do these women reflect our feelings as an audience?

(see the answer keys)

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