In T.S. Eliot's play "Murder in the Cathedral," the tempters play a crucial role in the tragic events that unfold. The tempters are a group of four characters who try to sway Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, from his principles and his commitment to the Church. They represent the forces of temptation and corruption that seek to undermine the moral authority of Becket and the Church.
The first tempter is the Knight, who represents the earthly desires and ambitions that Becket must resist. The Knight tempts Becket with the promise of power and wealth, urging him to compromise his principles and serve the interests of the king. The second tempter is the Monk, who represents the temptation of pride and self-aggrandizement. The Monk urges Becket to use his position and influence to advance his own interests and reputation, rather than the interests of the Church.
The third tempter is the Woman, who represents the temptation of physical desire. She tries to seduce Becket, tempting him with the pleasures of the flesh and the promise of love and companionship. The fourth tempter is the Chaplain, who represents the temptation of fear and cowardice. The Chaplain urges Becket to compromise his principles and capitulate to the demands of the king, warning him of the dangers of standing up for what he believes in.
Through the actions of the tempters, Eliot explores the theme of temptation and the struggle to resist it. Becket is faced with a series of difficult choices, and the tempters represent the different forces that seek to sway him from his path. Despite the efforts of the tempters, Becket remains steadfast in his commitment to the Church and its teachings. He ultimately chooses to stand up for his principles and pay the ultimate price, becoming a martyr for the cause of religious freedom.
The tempters in "Murder in the Cathedral" serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle between good and evil, and the importance of standing up for what we believe in. They illustrate the power of temptation and the importance of resisting it, and offer a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising our principles and values.
