Murder in the Cathedral Quiz After the Interlude

What month does the play take place?

December

When is the interlude spoken?

Christmas Day 1170

What gospel is said on Christmas Day?

Luke 2:14

What parallel does Thomas begin his sermon with?

The celebration of Christ’s birth and death

What does Thomas say Christ’s peace means?

The peace that is unworldly and immaterial.

What days follow Christ’s Day? [Christmas]

St Stephen’s Day, St. John the Apostle, The Day of the Holy Innocents, and finally the 29th

What defines a martyr?

A holy Christian killed in God’s will not his/her own We celebrate their death and their birth into sainthood.

What end connection does Becket end his sermon with?

Suffering is Action. The action of faith requires suffering.

Who was the archbishop martyr of canterbury?

Elphege

How does Becket close his sermon?

This will be the final time I preach to you

What is the Chorus warning of after the interlude?

The time is near

Where have the knights come from?

France/the king

What reveals the knights intentions?

We will roast your pork first, and dine upon it after.

What do the knights criticize Becket of?

Betrayal to the King

Where is Becket from?

Cheapside

What does the knights proclaim

they think Becket is prideful and power-hungry; believes Becket has sowed strife for the King in foreign land and at home.

What do the Chorus shout after the knights arrive?

The death bringers are here. We know they for we have killed [fish] and now they come to kill. Pray for us Thomas

What does Thomas say to the Chorus?

Be at peace oracles or else your minds will be shattered by reality

What is Thomas’ last request?

Unbar the door. The House of God [sanctuary] shall not be made a fortress

What metaphor is the last exchanged between Becket and knights?

Daniel in the Lion’s Den

What does the First Knight ask of Becket before he kills him?

Absolve all those you excommunicated; renew the obedience you have violated

What does the Second Knight ask of Becket before he kills him?

Resign the powers you have arrogated

What does the Third Knight ask of Becket before he kills him?

Restore the King the money you appropriated

To whom does Thomas pray to as he dies?

Blessed Mary, John the Baptist, Denys the Martyr, and the Apostles Peter and Paul.

What is the Chorus bitching about at the death of Becket?

OHH THE HORRORS THE SKY IS FILLED WITH BLOOD WE HAVE SEEN MURDER AND WILL NEVER SEE BLOOD THE SAME WAY AGAIN CAUSE WE’RE FUCKING DRAmA QUEENS!! WASH MY HANDS WASH THE SKY WASH MY MOUTH WITH SOAP SO I FINALLY SHUT THE FUCK UP!

Who is the First Knight and what is his role?

Reginald Fitz Urse, commands the four knights

Who is the Third Knight and what does he argue?

Baron William de Traci argues that this was no act of personal grudge. The knights wholeheartedly agree they are “completely disinterested in the matter” They will not be made famous after this action.

Who is the Second Knight and what does he argue?

Sir Hugh de Morville, argues that the “underdog” Becket actually wasn’t so holy. He argues that the King has always retained and striven to achieve peace in his land. The plan he made was perfect to have his right hand man Becket be in a position of oppositely power. However, Becket became incorrigibly prideful after being made archbishop and instead should’ve been sentenced to a proper execution if not for his popularity.

Who is the Fourth Knight and what does he argue?

Richard Brito argues that Becket was not killed by them but rather by himself. In his ego, he boasted against the King and prophesized his own death. In addition, he could’ve ran with his priests but no he stayed to be killed. This should be classified as Suicide while of Unsound Mind.

How does the first priest react to Becket’s death?

He is lost

How does the third priest react to Becket’s death?

He says the Church is stronger for it

How does the Play end?

Te Deum is sung in the background as the Chorus praises Thomas and the Kingdom of God, now stronger in Becket’s death and pledge to affirm God’s grace forever.