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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is one thing the Third Tempter and his party want from Beckett?
(a) Happiness for the People of England.
(b) Money.
(c) Favor from the Church.
(d) The blessing of God.

2. Who does Becket say saved him from the wrath of his enemies?
(a) The King of France.
(b) The Pope.
(c) King Henry II.
(d) John, the Dean of Salisbury.

3. What does the Third Tempter believe upon his arrival?
(a) He is in danger.
(b) He is there to cause confusion.
(c) He was expected.
(d) He was unexpected.

4. What does the Chorus claim is their purpose in the action of the play?
(a) To witness the events and take no action.
(b) To serve the Priests of the Cathedral.
(c) To prevent a murder.
(d) To warn Thomas Becket.

5. Why does Beckett believe that the local bishops would not support a power move like regaining his Chancellorship?
(a) Because the Pope excommunicated Beckett.
(b) Because the Pope would not allow it.
(c) Because the King would not allow it.
(d) Because he excommunicated them.

6. What does the First Tempter predict for Becket if he does not "leave well alone?"
(a) His fat lady will sing.
(b) God will show his wrath.
(c) HIs goose may be cooked.
(d) Everything will be set right.

7. In what year does Murder in the Cathedral take place?
(a) 1077.
(b) 1070.
(c) 1170.
(d) 1710.

8. After the first scene featuring the three Priests, the Chorus speaks again. What do they wish the Archbishop to do?
(a) Make peace with the King.
(b) Bless them.
(c) Return to France.
(d) Turn the wheel.

9. In what city of England does the story take place?
(a) Cambridge.
(b) London.
(c) York.
(d) Canterbury.

10. Who are the first two characters who speak of "the wheel" on separate occasions?
(a) The First Priest and the Second Priest.
(b) The First Priest and the First Tempter.
(c) The Chorus and Thomas Becket.
(d) The Third Priest and Thomas Becket.

11. What is the first idea that Becket relates to his audience and what does he insist that the Chorus "know and do not know?"
(a) Action is suffering and suffering is action.
(b) The world is suffering and they are the world.
(c) Life is suffering and suffering is death.
(d) Suffering is everything and everything is suffering.

12. According to the Third Tempter, what does friendship depend upon?
(a) Time.
(b) Circumstance.
(c) Peace.
(d) Happiness.

13. What metaphor does the Third Priest use to compare the relationship between the King and the Archbishop?
(a) A hammer and an anvil.
(b) A wolf and a sheep.
(c) Fire and water.
(d) A rock and a hard place.

14. What character(s) opens the play with the first monologue?
(a) The Messenger.
(b) The Chorus.
(c) Thomas Becket.
(d) The Priests.

15. How does the Fourth Tempter claim Beckett can have ultimate glory and power over the King of England?
(a) By becoming a martyr.
(b) By killing the King.
(c) By giving his money to the people.
(d) By becoming the Chancellor again.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who states that "Power is present. Holiness hereafter?"

2. How many visitors did Beckett expect?

3. What is it that the Second Tempter offers Becket?

4. According to the information in the opening monologue, how many years have passed since the Archbishop has left the city?

5. What is the first action that the Second Priest wants to take to welcome the Archbishop back to Canterbury?

(see the answer keys)

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