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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. "The wheel" is spoken of time and time again. In one instance Becket says that "Only the fool, fixed in his folly, may think he can turn the wheel on which he turns." What is the idea of a wheel supposed to symbolize?

2. How does the Third Tempter describe himself?

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

4. What does the First Priest believe was Becket's character flaw that ultimately brought an end to his friendship with the King?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What might be a reason Becket chose to do this speech?

2. After the temptations, what do the Chorus want Becket to do? Why?

3. Who does the Fourth Knight believe truly killed Thomas Becket? What is his proof that this is true?

4. What is the opinion of the Messenger of the relationship between the King and the Archbishop?

5. Why is it that Becket believes a martyr is never an accident?

6. Explain what is offered by the Second Tempter and why it would appeal to Thomas Beckett

7. Before Becket is dragged to the altar by the Three Priests, he seems at peace. How is this possible?

8. Why was the Fourth Tempter most effective in his temptation compared to the other three?

9. What is one of Becket's rebuttals of the charges against him?

10. According to Becket, how do we define peace?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are many references to "The wheel" in Murder in the Cathedral. Much lore from Ancient Greece and the Middle ages reference the wheel when speaking of a wheel turning as a metaphor of man's fate, fortune and predestination.

1) What part does Becket believe Fate and Destiny play in the final days of his life?

2) How much of this is God's work according to Becket? What are Becket's feeling towards God's actions?

3) What do you believe? It is fate or chance that helped play out Becket's final days as illustrated in Murder in the Cathedral? Feel free to use examples from your own encounters with what you believe to be fate.

Essay Topic 2

In Part II, the Fourth Knight states that "there are times when violence is the only way social justice can be secured." They have just killed an important political figure to bring about what they perceive to be order, and they believe it to be justified.

1) Can you see the Knight's point of view on this matter? Explain why they may or may not be justified in their actions.

2) Use an important historic event that you believe parallels the Knights belief. Look at the details of such events as the 1968 Democratic National Convention or the Rodney King riots. You may even use examples of executions and the death penalty (i.e. The hanging of Saddam Hussein). Compare your example to that of the murder of Thomas Becket. Looking at your evidence, do you believe that violence can bring about a peaceful end?

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?

(see the answer keys)

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