HBritLit - Murder in the Cathedral (Interlude)

On what date and time of day does the Interlude take place?

Christmas morning

In what year does the Interlude take place?

1170

Where is the Interlude set?

the Cathedral

What are the words Beckett quotes from the Bible?

"glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men of good will"

From what Gospel does Beckett quote in the opening of his sermon?

Luke

What does Beckett call his congregation?

his children

In the opening of the Interlude, how does Beckett describe his sermon to the audience?

very short

What does Beckett ask the audience to remember about Christmas mass?

the deep meaning and mystery of our masses of Christmas Day

What, according to Beckett, is reenacted during Mass?

the passion and Death of our Lord

What, according to Beckett, is celebrated that day?

the Birth of Jesus

Which Biblical story does Becket mention?

Jesus' birth story (the three kings/sheperd)

Fill in the blanks: "For who on the world will both __________ and __________ at once and for the same reason?"

mourn, rejoice

Beckett asks the congregation to think about the meaning of what word?

peace

Why does Beckett beleive the throught of the angels bring peace is strange?

because the world is war-stricken and plagued with the fear of war

According to Beckett, who was the Lord speaking to when he said "My peace I leave you, my peace I give unto you?"

his disciples

According to Beckett's speech, what was the fate of disciples?

journey afar, suffering, torture, imprisonment, disappointment, martyrdom

Defined by Beckett, who was the first martyr whose sacrifice is celebrated the day after Christmas?

the Blessed Stephen

Why does Beckett believe we should celebrate martyrs?

they do it for the glory of God

Who is the only one who can bring Beckett peace?

God

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

a good Christian who has been killed because they are Christian

What is another way Beckett refuses to define a martyr?

they are never an accident (or by chance)

How does Beckett feel about martyrs?

he values, admires, and fears them

To Beckett, what is martyrdom

the design of God that guides mankind

What does Becket see himself as, in reference to his definition of martyrdom?

he might become a martyr soon

Fill in the blank:" ...so in Heaven the Saints are most ____________, having made themselves most ____________..."

high, low

Which specific Canterbury martyr does Beckett ask the congregation to remember?

Archbishop Elphege

What is another observation Beckett has about his approaching murder?

it is an up-and-coming martyrdom

Why does Beckett tell the people that he may never preach to them again?

he might die

What would Beckett have the congregation do?

they will keep his words in their hearts