MCQs:
Murder in the Cathedral
Q.1 Who is the
central character in Murder in the Cathedral?
1. King Henry II
2. Thomas Becket
3. Archbishop Anselm
4. Edward II
Answer: 2
Explanation: The
play revolves around Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Q.2 Who wrote
Murder in the Cathedral?
1. William Shakespeare
2. Christopher Marlowe
3. T. S. Eliot
4. John Milton
Answer: 3
Explanation: The
play was written by T. S. Eliot in 1935.
Q.3 Where is the
play primarily set?
1. Westminster Abbey
2. Canterbury Cathedral
3. St. Paul’s Cathedral
4. York Minster
Answer: 2
Explanation: The
action takes place in and around Canterbury Cathedral.
Q.4 In which year
is the play set?
1. 1066
2. 1170
3. 1215
4. 1348
Answer: 2
Explanation: The
play is set in 1170, the year of Becket’s martyrdom.
Q.5 Who are the
Chorus in the play?
1. Priests
2. Knights
3. Women of Canterbury
4. Monks
Answer: 3
Explanation: The
Chorus consists of the women of Canterbury, representing common people.
Q.6 How many
tempters visit Thomas Becket?
1. Two
2. Three
3. Four
4. Five
Answer: 3
Explanation: Four
tempters visit Becket, each offering different temptations.
Q.7 What does the
first tempter offer Becket?
1. Power over the Church
2. Physical safety and comfort
3. Political alliance
4. Wealth
Answer: 2
Explanation: The
first tempter appeals to Becket’s desire for safety and ease.
Q.8 What is the
main theme of the play?
1. Romantic love
2. Political intrigue
3. Martyrdom and spiritual conflict
4. Comedy of manners
Answer: 3
Explanation: The
play explores martyrdom, faith, and inner spiritual struggle.
Q.9 Who sends the
knights to kill Becket?
1. The Pope
2. King Henry II
3. The Archbishop of York
4. The Chancellor
Answer: 2
Explanation: The
knights act on King Henry II’s orders.
Q.10 What happens
to Thomas Becket at the end of the play?
1. He escapes
2. He resigns
3. He is imprisoned
4. He is murdered
Answer: 4
Explanation:
Becket is murdered inside the cathedral, becoming a martyr.
Q.11 What
literary form is prominently used in the play?
1. Prose narrative
2. Blank verse and poetic drama
3. Sonnet form
4. Epic poetry
Answer: 2
Explanation:
Eliot uses poetic dialogue and verse drama techniques.
Q.12 What is the
significance of Becket’s Christmas sermon?
1. It celebrates victory
2. It predicts his martyrdom
3. It criticizes the King
4. It calls for rebellion
Answer: 2
Explanation:
Becket foreshadows his own death as a martyr in the sermon.
Q.13 What does
the fourth tempter represent?
1. Wealth
2. Political ambition
3. Spiritual pride
4. Friendship
Answer: 3
Explanation: The
fourth tempter challenges Becket with the temptation of seeking martyrdom for
glory.
Q.14 How do the
knights justify Becket’s murder after the act?
1. Through silence
2. Through prayer
3. Through a direct address to the
audience
4. Through a written letter
Answer: 3
Explanation: The
knights break the dramatic illusion and justify their actions to the audience.
Q.15 What role do
the priests play in the play?
1. They oppose Becket
2. They support Becket and fear for him
3. They betray Becket
4. They remain neutral
Answer: 2
Explanation: The
priests remain loyal and concerned about Becket’s safety.
Q.16 What is the
dramatic structure of the play?
1. Three acts
2. Two parts with an interlude
3. Five acts
4. One continuous act
Answer: 2
Explanation: The
play is divided into Part I, an interlude (sermon), and Part II.
Q.17 What does
Becket ultimately accept?
1. Exile
2. Compromise
3. Martyrdom
4. Defeat
Answer: 3
Explanation:
Becket embraces martyrdom as part of divine will.
Q.18 What is the
tone of the Chorus throughout the play?
1. Joyful
2. Fearful and anxious
3. Angry
4. Indifferent
Answer: 2
Explanation: The
Chorus expresses fear and foreboding about the events.
Q.19 What is the
central conflict in the play?
1. Man vs Nature
2. Church vs State
3. Love vs Duty
4. Individual vs Society
Answer: 2
Explanation: The
play highlights the conflict between religious authority and royal power.
Q.20 What does
Becket symbolize in the play?
1. Political power
2. Moral weakness
3. Spiritual integrity
4. Social rebellion
Answer: 3
Explanation:
Becket represents spiritual strength and moral conviction.
Q.21 What is the
opening mood of the Chorus in the play?
1. Hopeful
2. Celebratory
3. Foreboding and fearful
4. Indifferent
Answer: 3
Explanation: The
Chorus expresses anxiety and fear about impending doom at the beginning.
Q.22 How long had
Thomas Becket been in exile before returning to Canterbury?
1. Three years
2. Five years
3. Seven years
4. Ten years
Answer: 3
Explanation:
Becket had been in exile for seven years before his return.
Q.23 What is the
reaction of the women of Canterbury to Becket’s return?
1. Joy and celebration
2. Fear and anxiety
3. Anger
4. Indifference
Answer: 2
Explanation: They
fear that his return will bring disaster.
Q.24 What is the
role of the Messenger in the play?
1. To warn Becket about the knights
2. To deliver news of the King’s orders
3. To announce Becket’s return
4. To bring food to the priests
Answer: 2
Explanation: The
Messenger brings news of political developments and the King’s intentions.
Q.25 What does
Becket refuse to do when advised by the priests?
1. Leave the country
2. Fight the knights
3. Lock the cathedral doors
4. Speak to the King
Answer: 3
Explanation:
Becket insists that the cathedral doors remain open.
Q.26 What do the
priests symbolize in the play?
1. Political authority
2. Religious loyalty and human fear
3. Betrayal
4. Indifference
Answer: 2
Explanation: They
represent devotion but also human weakness and fear.
Q.27 What is the
attitude of the Second Tempter?
1. Offers spiritual salvation
2. Suggests political power through
alliance
3. Encourages martyrdom
4. Promotes isolation
Answer: 2
Explanation: The
Second Tempter suggests regaining political influence.
Q.28 What does
the Third Tempter propose to Becket?
1. A life of comfort
2. Alliance with the barons against the
King
3. Escape from England
4. Silence and withdrawal
Answer: 2
Explanation: The
Third Tempter encourages rebellion against the King.
Q.29 What does
Becket realize about true martyrdom?
1. It brings fame and glory
2. It must not be sought for personal
pride
3. It guarantees political power
4. It ensures safety
Answer: 2
Explanation: True
martyrdom must be accepted selflessly, not for personal gain.
Q.30 What is
unique about the knights’ speech after Becket’s murder?
1. It is in verse
2. It is addressed directly to the
audience
3. It is sung
4. It is silent
Answer: 2
Explanation: The
knights use prose and directly address the audience, breaking dramatic
convention.
Q.31 What
literary device is heavily used in the Chorus speeches?
1. Irony
2. Imagery
3. Hyperbole
4. Satire
Answer: 2
Explanation:
Eliot uses vivid imagery to convey fear and tension.
Q.32 What does
the Cathedral symbolize in the play?
1. Political power
2. A place of safety and spiritual
authority
3. Wealth
4. Isolation
Answer: 2
Explanation: It
represents both sanctuary and divine authority.
Q.33 What
internal struggle does Becket face?
1. Love vs hatred
2. Faith vs doubt
3. Pride vs true humility
4. Power vs weakness
Answer: 3
Explanation: He
struggles with the temptation of seeking martyrdom for pride.
Q.34 What kind of
drama is Murder in the Cathedral?
1. Comedy
2. Tragedy
3. Satire
4. Farce
Answer: 2
Explanation: It
is a tragic drama centered on Becket’s death.
Q.35 What is the
significance of the interlude in the play?
1. It provides comic relief
2. It contains Becket’s sermon on martyrdom
3. It introduces new characters
4. It shows a battle scene
Answer: 2
Explanation: The
interlude is Becket’s Christmas sermon about martyrdom.
Q.36 What is the
primary concern of the Chorus in Part II?
1. Celebration
2. Curiosity
3. Fear of impending violence
4. Desire for revenge
Answer: 3
Explanation: They
anticipate the tragic events about to occur.
Q.37 What is
Becket’s attitude toward death?
1. Fearful
2. Indifferent
3. Accepting as divine will
4. Avoidant
Answer: 3
Explanation: He
calmly accepts death as part of God’s plan.
Q.38 What
dramatic tradition influenced the structure of the play?
1. Elizabethan drama
2. Greek tragedy
3. Modern realism
4. Romantic drama
Answer: 2
Explanation: The
Chorus and structure reflect Greek tragic influence.
Q.39 What is the
final action of the Chorus after Becket’s death?
1. They leave the stage
2. They celebrate
3. They offer a prayer
4. They attack the knights
Answer: 3
Explanation: The
Chorus ends with a prayer acknowledging Becket’s martyrdom.
Q.40 What does
the play ultimately emphasize?
1. Political victory
2. Material success
3. Spiritual sacrifice and redemption
4. Social reform
Answer: 3
Explanation: The
play highlights spiritual values over worldly gains.
Q.41 Murder in
the Cathedral was composed in which year?
1. 1925
2. 1930
3. 1935
4. 1940
Answer: 3
Explanation: T.
S. Eliot wrote the play in 1935.
Q.42 How does the
play Murder in the Cathedral open?
1. With a king’s speech
2. With a battle scene
3. With the singing/speech of the Women of
Canterbury
4. With Becket’s sermon
Answer: 3
Explanation: The
play opens with the Chorus of Women of Canterbury expressing fear.
Q.43 What does
the Second Tempter remind Thomas Becket of?
1. His exile in France
2. His friendship with the King
3. Their meetings at Clarendon
4. His religious duties
Answer: 3
Explanation: The
Second Tempter refers to the earlier political dealings at Clarendon.
Q.44 What does
the Fourth Tempter admire in Thomas Becket?
1. His wealth
2. His humility
3. His unbending will
4. His political skill
Answer: 3
Explanation: The
Fourth Tempter praises Becket’s strong and resolute nature.
Q.45 When does
Archbishop Becket deliver his sermon in the Cathedral?
1. Easter morning
2. Christmas morning, 1170
3. New Year’s Day
4. Good Friday
Answer: 2
Explanation: The
interlude contains Becket’s Christmas sermon of 1170.
Q.46 What type of
play is Murder in the Cathedral?
1. Romantic play
2. Historical play
3. Comic play
4. Fantasy play
Answer: 2
Explanation: It
is based on the historical martyrdom of Thomas Becket.
Q.47 Who is the
central character of the play?
1. King Henry II
2. A Priest
3. Thomas Becket
4. A Knight
Answer: 3
Explanation:
Thomas Becket is the protagonist of the play.
Q.48 What is the
main theme of the play?
1. Revenge
2. Love
3. Martyrdom
4. War
Answer: 3
Explanation: The
play focuses on spiritual martyrdom and sacrifice.
Q.49 What do the
three priests initially wonder about Becket’s return?
1. Whether he will resign
2. Whether it will bring war or peace
3. Whether he will meet the King
4. Whether he will leave again
Answer: 2
Explanation: The
priests are uncertain about the consequences of his return.
Q.50 What does
the statement “Action is suffering and suffering is action” suggest?
1. Action leads to success
2. Suffering and action are interconnected
3. Action avoids suffering
4. Suffering is meaningless
Answer: 2
Explanation: The
line reflects Eliot’s idea that suffering is an essential part of meaningful
action.
Q.51 What are the
two philosophies that Becket juxtaposes in terms of the Chorus?
1. Destruction and Creation
2. Living and Dying
3. Playing and Working
4. Acting and Suffering
Answer: 4
Explanation:
Becket reflects on the relationship between action and suffering.
Q.52 What is the
central conflict in the play?
1. Church vs People
2. King Henry II vs Thomas Becket
3. Priests vs Knights
4. Chorus vs Clergy
Answer: 2
Explanation: The
main conflict is between royal authority and church authority.
Q.53 How is the
structure of Murder in the Cathedral organized?
1. One act
2. Two acts
3. Three acts
4. Five acts
Answer: 2
Explanation: The
play is divided into two parts (acts).
Q.54 What
separates the two parts of the play?
1. A song
2. A battle scene
3. An interlude (sermon)
4. A dream sequence
Answer: 3
Explanation: The
interlude is Becket’s Christmas sermon.
Q.55 How many
knights are involved in Becket’s murder?
1. Two
2. Three
3. Four
4. Five
Answer: 3
Explanation: Four
knights carry out the murder.
Q.56 What role
does the Chorus play at the end of the play?
1. They celebrate victory
2. They give a clear reflection on death
and martyrdom
3. They accuse the King
4. They leave silently
Answer: 2
Explanation: The
Chorus concludes with a deep reflection on death and spiritual meaning.
Q.57 Who was King
of England in Becket's time?
1. Henry I
2. Reginald Fitz Urse
3. Henry II
4. Theobald
Answer: 3
Explanation: King
Henry II ruled England during Thomas Becket’s time.
Q.58 What
position does Thomas hold at the time of his murder?
1. King
2. Archbishop
3. Exchequer
4. Chancellor
Answer: 2
Explanation:
Becket was Archbishop of Canterbury when he was murdered.
Q.59 What
position has Thomas held in the past?
1. King
2. Chancellor
3. Exchequer
4. Jester
Answer: 2
Explanation:
Before becoming Archbishop, Becket served as Chancellor.
Q.60 Where has
Thomas been before the play starts?
1. France
2. London
3. Cheapside
4. Scotland
Answer: 1
Explanation:
Becket had been in exile in France.
Q.61 How long has
Thomas been gone when he returns?
1. Three years
2. Fifteen years
3. Sixteen months
4. Seven years
Answer: 4
Explanation:
Becket was in exile for seven years.
Q.62 Where is the
cathedral located?
1. Canterbury
2. London
3. Paris
4. The heath
Answer: 1
Explanation: The
play is set in Canterbury Cathedral.
Q.63 Who makes up
the Chorus?
1. King's representatives
2. Knights
3. Women
4. Priests
Answer: 3
Explanation: The
Chorus consists of the Women of Canterbury.
Q.64 Why did
Eliot write this play?
1. He read a book about Becket
2. Becket's family asked him to
3. He wanted to impress his priest
4. He was commissioned for a festival
Answer: 4
Explanation: The
play was written for the Canterbury Festival.
Q.65 What year
was the play first performed?
1. 1922
2. 1962
3. 1916
4. 1935
Answer: 4
Explanation: It
was first performed in 1935.
Q.66 Why has the
Chorus gathered at the beginning of the play?
1. They sense something bad is going to
happen
2. They want to murder Thomas
3. They have been summoned by Thomas
4. Their crops have dried up and they need
mercy
Answer: 1
Explanation: The
Chorus senses impending danger and doom.
Q.67 How can one
best describe the Chorus's attitude at the beginning of the play?
1. Hopeful
2. Gleeful
3. Angry
4. Pessimistic
Answer: 4
Explanation: The
Chorus expresses fear and pessimism.
Q.68 How does the
Chorus feel about Thomas's return?
1. Angry
2. Excited
3. Uncaring
4. Worried
Answer: 4
Explanation: They
fear his return will lead to trouble.
Q.69 What is the
First Priest like?
1. Pragmatic
2. Patient
3. Angry
4. Worried
Answer: 4
Explanation: The
First Priest shows concern and anxiety.
Q.70 What is the
Second Priest like?
1. Pragmatic
2. Worried
3. Patient
4. Angry
Answer: 1
Explanation: The
Second Priest is practical and realistic.
Q.71 What is the
Third Priest like?
1. Patient
2. Angry
3. Worried
4. Pragmatic
Answer: 4
Explanation: The
Third Priest takes a practical and thoughtful approach.
Q.72 What
medieval image suggests patience?
1. Seasons
2. Wheel
3. Cathedral
4. Mountain
Answer: 2
Explanation: The
“wheel” symbolizes endurance and patience.
Q.73 In the image
of the "wheel," who sits at the center?
1. God
2. The pope
3. The king
4. The archbishop
Answer: 1
Explanation: God
is at the center, representing divine control.
Q.74 Who brings
news of Thomas's return?
1. Chorus
2. Thomas himself
3. Herald
4. First Priest
Answer: 3
Explanation: The
Herald announces Becket’s return.
Q.75 Which of the
following is NOT a subject of political disagreement between the king and
Thomas?
1. Alms for the poor
2. Prince Henry's coronation
3. Relations with the French
4. Church courts
Answer: 1
Explanation: The
conflict mainly concerns political and ecclesiastical authority, not alms.
Q.76 Why is the
Herald worried about Thomas's return?
1. The poor might revolt
2. The king might resign the crown
3. Violence might follow
4. Thomas might scold them
Answer: 3
Explanation: The
Herald fears unrest and violence.
Q.77 What is
Thomas's main flaw?
1. Pride
2. Greed
3. Vanity
4. Cruelty
Answer: 1
Explanation: His
inner struggle centers on pride, especially spiritual pride.
Q.78 Which of the
following is NOT a powerful class in English politics in the play?
1. King's court
2. Businessmen
3. Bishops
4. Barons
Answer: 2
Explanation:
Businessmen are not depicted as a political force.
Q.79 How does the
Chorus describe their lives in Part I?
1. "One day after another"
2. "Black into light, for all to
see"
3. "Living and partly living"
4. "A long and winding path"
Answer: 3
Explanation: This
phrase reflects their passive, fearful existence.
Q.80 For what
does the Second Priest chide the Chorus in Part I?
1. For complaining about the cold
2. For being worried about Becket's return
3. For insulting one another
4. For speaking sacrilege
Answer: 2
Explanation: He
criticizes them for their excessive fear.
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