Murder in the Cathedral is a play written by T.S. Eliot in 1935, based on the assassination of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, in 1170. The play is a criticism of the Church and its leaders, as well as a commentary on the nature of power and authority.
One of the central themes of the play is the corruption of the Church. The play portrays the bishops as being more concerned with their own power and wealth than with the welfare of the people. They are depicted as scheming and manipulative, willing to do whatever it takes to maintain their position of authority.
This criticism is exemplified by the character of the Archbishop, Thomas Becket. Becket is portrayed as a complex and conflicted figure, torn between his desire for personal ambition and his sense of duty to the Church. He ultimately chooses the latter, and pays the price with his life.
The play also critiques the role of the Church in society. In the play, the Church is portrayed as being out of touch with the needs and concerns of the common people. It is depicted as being more concerned with maintaining its own power and influence than with serving the needs of the community.
Another theme of the play is the nature of power and authority. The play suggests that those in positions of power and authority are often corrupted by it, and that they will do whatever it takes to maintain their position, even if it means sacrificing the well-being of others. This is evident in the actions of the bishops and their willingness to betray Becket in order to protect their own interests.
Overall, Murder in the Cathedral is a powerful and thought-provoking work that serves as a criticism of the Church and its leaders, as well as a commentary on the nature of power and authority. It is a timeless work that continues to speak to contemporary audiences and raise important questions about the role of religion in society.
The Tempters: in Murder in The Cathedral
They go against everything for which Becket stands, and refuse to conceive of the church as an open space that even enemies have the right to enter. These figures have never met before because the "time or place" were not ripe with such a spiritual crisis, and it is the crisis of self-examination that this Tempter forces on Thomas. The second is the date of publication online or last modification online. The chorus again reflects on the coming devastation. Thomas does not have much difficulty in spurring this temptation and it is to be noted that, because of the subsequent temptations both the appeal and the dismissal of this temptation do not involve the personality or spirit of Thomas at a deep level. He tells them to accuse him in public, and they make to attack him, but priests intervene. He regrets to say that Becket and the King have not been reconciled and he fears that violence will follow.
Murder in the Cathedral
A final example of how the sermon reveals the working-through of the mysteries m Thomas's mind is found in his discussion of God's "first martyr, the blessed Stephen'' Thomas states that"by no means" is it an "accident'' that"the day of the first martyr follows immediately the day of the birth of Christ,'' so urging the congregation to ponder the "pattern'' of God's will as he has done. Christ, have mercy on us Lord, have mercy on us. Now we can say that, Charles II was fascist, because in my opinion, if you kill one or millions for your benefits, both of them are fascism. The subject of the Interlude is also another demonstration of the basic idea in the play. Preferring to pass unobserved," leading colorless lives.
Murder in the Cathedral Critical Overview
The four knights enter and inquire about Becket, using abusive, rude language. Sean Lucy says "It is the power of the dramatic verse that gives the play its unique quality of unity and intensity. He suggests that Becket should seek to become a martyr. The play, in spite of its perfections, should be considered not "as the drama to end all dramas but as one example of the art in our confused times". Ironically, that birth will come only with the ' 'event'' of his death. For what reason does the Fourth Tempter answer Thomas with his own words? Apart from that, in religious aspects, Henry II was also sinful because he killed the Archbishop, for his own benefits. The knights tell the priests to go away so that they can speak with Becket alone.
