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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. How does the structure of the dialogue change during Becket's first temptation?

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

3. What doesn't the Third Priest see in "the art of temporal government?"

4. What does Beckett believe to be the last temptation and what he fears the most?

5. Finish the thought of the First Tempter: "A man will often love what he ______."

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe how the town of Canterbury feels about Becket's return and why.

2. What is special about the day the Interlude takes place?

3. What is the importance of the banners that the Priests enter with and the mention of all of Saints?

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

5. What does Becket mean when he states to the Priests, "The moment foreseen may be unexpected when it arrives?"

6. After the temptations, what do the Priests want Becket to do? Why?

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

8. How long has Thomas Becket been away from Canterbury? Why has he chosen to stay away for so long?

9. How does the Chorus feel about Becket's return to England?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Becket believes that his death will ultimately bring good to the public, the church, and his own spiritual well-being.

1) Cite several instances in which Becket or another character argue for the choice of martyrdom. Define what Becket's modus operandi is in allowing his own murder

2) Looking at the way his followers reacted to his death, were Becket's goals achieved?

3) Think of another historic figure that you consider a martyr (i.e. Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr.). Compare that person with Becket.

4) For you, what truly defines a martyr? How does the death of one person catalyze social change?

5) Do you believe there are the moral implications to celebrating death in such a way?

Essay Topic 2

Study the dialogue between the Four Tempters and Becket carefully. Not only does each Tempter have something very different to offer Becket, but they all have different tactics they use to get Becket on their side. Compare and contrast the different aims of the Tempters, their tactics, even the personality traits they put forth to successfully coerce Becket. Explain how each was effective/ineffective in conjunction with Becket's needs and his moral code.

Essay Topic 3

After the murder of Thomas Becket, the Four Knights have a chance to explain their different reasons for assassinating the Archbishop. Write an essay with the following parts:

Part 1) Choose one of the Four Knights arguments. Study their speech and outline their argument.

Part 2) Choose to either support their point or debate their point and write an argument for or against the assassination.

(see the answer keys)

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