Print
Word
PDF
|
| Name: _________________________ | Period: ___________________ |
This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.
Short Answer Questions
1. Why does Beckett believe the thought of the angels bringing peace is strange?
2. Defined by Beckett, who was the first martyr whose sacrifice is celebrated the day after Christmas?
3. What is NOT one of the things that Beckett says they rejoice in?
4. According to Beckett, who was the Lord speaking to when he said, "My peace I leave you, my peace I give unto you?"
5. Which Biblical story does Beckett mention?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
Fear is a powerful tool that many characters in the play use to get what they want. The last word comes from the Chorus which states that it fears the love of God. How is fear used in the play? 1) Choose instances in which characters express fear and describe what are they afraid of. Is Eliot trying to make a social point, or is it something more simple?
2) Choose an example of something you've witnessed in your own life in which you or someone else was too afraid to act. It may be from a social situation, religious or political dominance, etc. Compare it to Eliot's examples.
Essay Topic 2
Choose one of the following topics:
A) Eliot uses metaphor heavily in this script, especially in comparing people to animals. Choose five examples of this in the script, cite them, and explain why you believe it was effective or ineffective to the characters and the plot as a whole.
B) Evocative imagery is a major component in the dialogue, especially when the Chorus speaks. Look at the Chorus' "death-bringer" speech (p. 66). In it, Eliot uses the idea of the five senses to create images for the reader/audience. Why would he use the five senses to aid in his imagery? Do you believe Eliot used it efficiently?
Essay Topic 3
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?
|
This section contains 457 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) |
|
