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| Name: _________________________ | Period: ___________________ |
This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.
Short Answer Questions
1. Fill in the blanks: "For who on the world will both _______ and ________ at once and for the same reason?"
2. How was the Tempter unsuccessful?
3. What are the words Beckett quotes from the Bible?
4. What is another observation Beckett has about his approaching murder?
5. Out of the following choices, which would be the least likely reason behind the sermon?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
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 2
From the moment the play opens, there is an ominous approaching event that culminates in the murder of Thomas Becket. Throughout the play, several characters continue to foreshadow Becket's murder, including Becket himself.
1) Cite several examples of foreshadowing from the text and describe the importance of this as a tool of the plot and the building of characters.
2) Do you believe that knowing about the death of Thomas Becket from the beginning lessens the effectiveness of the climax or strengthens it? Do you believe Eliot's choice made Murder in the Cathedral an effective story?
Essay Topic 3
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?
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This section contains 487 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) |
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