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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 does Beckett claim the Fourth Tempter offers?

2. What does the First Priest compare the women of Canterbury to?

3. Who are the first two characters who speak of "the wheel" on separate occasions?

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

5. What does the Second Tempter tell Beckett he will be like if he continues on course?

Short Essay Questions

1. Taking into consideration the many opportunities to escape his fate, his many followers begging him to change course, and Becket's own prideful nature, why would Becket choose the path of martyrdom?

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

3. Why do the Priests continually attempt to save Becket from the Knights even after orders from him to allow fate to take its course?

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

5. According to Becket, what did God mean when he told his disciples "My peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you."

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

7. How does Becket believe man can "mourn and rejoice at once for the same reason?"

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

9. What does Becket ask his flock to remember?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

From the beginning of Murder in the Cathedral, we are told of the monotonous and rather unfulfilled lives that are led by the women of Canterbury. In one instance we are told that they believe they are "living and party living."

1) How is the return of Thomas Becket to Canterbury a good thing for its people? What can he offer them that they have been missing in their lives?

2) How does Becket's return affect them negatively?

3) Using examples from the text, how can monotony be a good thing? How is it bad?

Essay Topic 2

The Interlude serves the important role of allowing the reader to see Beckett's point of view on martyrdom. His sermon argues the importance of martyrs in society and why he understands God's plan in the sacrifices they have made.

1) Study Becket's arguments carefully. Does he seem absolutely certain of his own death?

2) Why does Becket feel he will prove to be a martyr to his people if he dies?

3) Why does Becket seem to accept his fate so readily?

4) Conclude why Becket chose to use his last sermon to explain his actions (i.e. accepting his fate).

Essay Topic 3

Choose two of the characters from the play excluding Becket. Compare and contrast the following aspects of the characters:

Part 1) Their social standing.

Part 2) Their political views.

Part 3) Their religious beliefs.

Now describe how these traits affect their opinion of Becket and his actions in the play. How are their opinions different? How are they similar?

(see the answer keys)

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