T.S. Eliot’s Murder in the Cathedral isn’t your typical whodunit. Spoiler alert: we already know who’s getting murdered—it’s in the title. But this play is much more than just the dramatic killing of an archbishop. It’s a deep dive into faith, power, and some serious inner turmoil. Plus, it’s all set against the backdrop of medieval England. So, put on your history cap and let’s break down this classic play with a twist of wit.
Setting the Stage
The play is set in December 1170, and things are already tense in Canterbury. Archbishop Thomas Becket, our tragic hero, has been in a bit of a standoff with King Henry II. It’s your classic power struggle—Church versus State, spiritual authority versus political control. After spending seven years in exile because of his conflicts with the King, Becket finally returns to Canterbury. And, spoiler, it’s not exactly a happy homecoming.
Becket’s Inner Struggle
Much of the play revolves around Becket’s internal battle. He knows he’s walking into a very dangerous situation—Henry II isn’t exactly thrilled with him, and the King’s knights are a pretty murderous bunch. Becket is aware that standing up for the Church could cost him his life, but he’s grappling with more than just the fear of death. He’s wrestling with pride, too.
Becket doesn’t want to become a martyr for the wrong reasons. He’s aware that seeking martyrdom for personal glory would be a big no-no. So, in true Eliot fashion, the play is a psychological drama as much as it is a political one. Becket’s real fight isn’t just with the knights—it’s with his own conscience.
The Temptations
What’s a T.S. Eliot play without a little temptation? In a scene that feels almost Shakespearean, Becket is visited by four tempters. Each of them tries to convince him to compromise, or to give in to different desires—political power, safety, fame. It’s like The Canterbury Trials: Temptation Edition. But Becket, like the stoic hero he is, rejects them all. He’s determined to make the right choice, even if it costs him his life.
The Murder
As expected, the knights show up. These four knights are loyal to King Henry, and they’ve been sent to deal with the “Becket problem.” After an intense confrontation, Becket accepts his fate. He’s ready to die for the principles he stands for, even if it means going down in history as a martyr. In a powerful and quiet moment of resolve, Becket is killed in the Cathedral.
Now, don’t expect a drawn-out swordfight scene—this is T.S. Eliot, after all. The murder is more symbolic, with the focus on the meaning behind the act rather than the violence itself. The knights actually break the fourth wall afterward, turning to the audience to justify their actions, which is both a little unsettling and very Eliot.
The Aftermath
After Becket’s death, the play wraps up with a reflection on his sacrifice. The Chorus, which has been providing commentary throughout the play (think of them as the medieval equivalent of a Twitter feed), laments the death of Becket and reflects on the greater meaning of martyrdom.
Was Becket’s murder really just a political act, or was it a victory for the spiritual world? In true modernist fashion, Eliot leaves us pondering the bigger questions of faith, destiny, and human choices. There’s no clear resolution—just a lot of food for thought.
Why Murder in the Cathedral Still Matters
At its core, Murder in the Cathedral is a play about standing up for what you believe in, even when the stakes are deadly. But it’s also a meditation on the complexities of moral choice, the struggle between spiritual and earthly power, and how we, as humans, navigate temptation. Eliot’s poetic style, combined with the weighty historical subject, makes this play timeless.
So, if you’re into history, philosophy, or just enjoy watching characters wrestle with big moral dilemmas, Murder in the Cathedral is worth checking out. Plus, who can resist a play that manages to make a murder feel both inevitable and deeply reflective?
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