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

Short Answer Questions

1. What, according to Beckett, is reenacted during Mass?

2. According to Beckett, what is one way you cannot define a martyr?

3. Out of the following choices, which would be the least likely reason behind the sermon?

4. What is one of the reasons Beckett would allow himself to be killed?

5. What would Beckett have the congregation do?

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

The Chorus seems to believe in a "Void." They believe that God's judgment will lead Becket to this Void rather than a peaceful afterlife. The Fourth Knights insists that Becket commits suicide. Using examples from the text, argue whether or not you believe that Becket's actions, which he knew would lead to murder, were justified and moral. Consider: if Becket coordinated his own death, could he still bring about the order he believes martyrdom will bring about? By the end of the play, is he still doing "the right deed for the wrong reason?"

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)

This section contains 380 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample