Murder in the Cathedral Plot Summary: An in-depth exploration of T.S. Eliot’s masterpiece, revealing the intricate plot, compelling characters, and profound themes that have captivated readers for generations.
The play unfolds in 12th century England, amidst the escalating conflict between King Henry II and Archbishop Thomas Becket, a struggle that culminates in Becket’s martyrdom.
Introduction
T.S. Eliot’s “Murder in the Cathedral” is a powerful and thought-provoking play that explores the themes of martyrdom, religious faith, and the conflict between good and evil.
Set in 12th-century Canterbury, the play dramatizes the assassination of Archbishop Thomas Becket by four knights loyal to King Henry II. Eliot’s play not only provides a vivid portrayal of this historical event but also delves deeply into the complex psychological and spiritual motivations of the characters involved.
Historical Context
The play is set against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict between the English Church and the English monarchy. Becket, a staunch defender of the Church’s independence, had clashed repeatedly with Henry II over the issue of clerical immunity. Henry’s knights, motivated by a combination of personal animosity and political expediency, ultimately murdered Becket in his own cathedral.
Eliot’s play explores the historical events surrounding Becket’s assassination, but it also transcends the specific historical context to become a universal meditation on the nature of martyrdom and the struggle between good and evil.
Plot Summary: Murder In The Cathedral Plot Summary
T.S. Eliot’s “Murder in the Cathedral” is a historical play that dramatizes the assassination of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, in 1170. The play explores the conflict between the church and the state, as well as the nature of martyrdom.
Arrival of the Knights
The play opens with the arrival of four knights who have been sent by King Henry II to kill Becket. The knights are determined to carry out their mission, but they are also aware of the consequences of killing a high-ranking member of the clergy.
Conflict between Becket and King Henry II
The conflict between Becket and Henry II stems from their differing views on the relationship between the church and the state. Becket believes that the church should be independent of the state, while Henry believes that the church should be subject to the authority of the king.
Martyrdom of Becket
On December 29, 1170, the knights confront Becket in Canterbury Cathedral and murder him. Becket’s death shocks and horrifies the people of England, and he is soon hailed as a martyr. The play ends with a chorus of women lamenting Becket’s death and celebrating his martyrdom.
Characters
T.S. Eliot’s “Murder in the Cathedral” presents a compelling cast of characters, each embodying distinct traits and motivations that drive the play’s central conflict.
The play revolves around the clash between the ecclesiastical authority of the church and the secular power of the state. This tension is personified in the characters of Thomas Becket and King Henry II.
Thomas Becket
Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, stands as a staunch defender of the church’s authority. A former chancellor to Henry II, Becket’s appointment as archbishop transforms him into a symbol of the church’s independence from the king’s control.
Becket’s unwavering commitment to ecclesiastical law and his willingness to defy the king’s authority lead to his martyrdom. He becomes a symbol of the church’s struggle for autonomy and the limits of royal power.
King Henry II, Murder in the cathedral plot summary
King Henry II, a powerful and ambitious monarch, seeks to assert his authority over the church. He sees Becket’s defiance as a challenge to his rule and attempts to undermine the archbishop’s power.
Henry’s frustration with Becket culminates in his infamous words, “Who will rid me of this turbulent priest?” These words inadvertently inspire four knights to assassinate Becket, leading to the play’s tragic climax.
The Knights
The four knights—Reginald Fitzurse, William de Tracy, Richard le Bret, and Hugh de Morville—are tasked with carrying out Henry’s wish. They represent the secular forces that clash with the church’s authority.
The knights’ motives are complex, ranging from loyalty to the king to a desire for personal gain. Their actions, however, are driven by a sense of duty and a belief that they are acting in the best interests of the realm.
Themes
T.S. Eliot’s “Murder in the Cathedral” explores several profound themes, delving into the complex interactions between individuals, institutions, and the forces that shape society.
The Conflict between Church and State
The play highlights the inherent tension between the temporal power of the state and the spiritual authority of the church. Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, embodies the church’s independence and resistance to the king’s attempts to control it. The conflict between Becket and King Henry II escalates into a violent confrontation, demonstrating the fragility of the balance between these two institutions.
The Nature of Martyrdom
“Murder in the Cathedral” examines the nature of martyrdom and the motivations behind those who sacrifice themselves for their beliefs. Becket’s martyrdom is a complex act, driven by both personal conviction and political calculation. The play explores the psychological and spiritual aspects of martyrdom, questioning whether it is an act of heroism or a form of self-destruction.
The Role of Violence in Society
The play confronts the role of violence in society, both as a means of achieving political ends and as a destructive force that corrupts the human soul. The murder of Becket becomes a catalyst for both personal and social upheaval, leading to a cycle of violence that threatens to engulf the entire kingdom.
Eliot’s exploration of violence exposes its devastating consequences and challenges the notion that it can ever be justified.
Symbolism
T.S. Eliot employs symbolism extensively in “Murder in the Cathedral” to enhance the play’s thematic depth and convey complex ideas.
The Cathedral as a Symbol of the Church
The cathedral serves as a powerful symbol of the Church, representing its sacredness, authority, and enduring presence. Its grandeur and architectural complexity reflect the Church’s institutional power and the weight of tradition it carries.
The Knights’ Swords as Symbols of Violence
The knights’ swords symbolize the destructive force of violence and the potential for bloodshed within the Church. Their sharp blades evoke the threat of physical harm and the willingness of the knights to use force to achieve their ends.
The Blood of Becket as a Symbol of Sacrifice
Becket’s blood becomes a potent symbol of sacrifice and martyrdom. It represents his willingness to die for his beliefs and the transformative power of his death. The blood also serves as a reminder of the Church’s role as a protector of the weak and vulnerable.
Style
T.S. Eliot’s Murder in the Cathedralexhibits a unique literary style that combines elements of verse, prose, and medieval music and ritual, while also drawing inspiration from Greek tragedy.
The play primarily employs verse, written in iambic pentameter, which creates a sense of rhythm and formality. However, Eliot also incorporates prose sections, particularly in the speeches of the Chorus, which allows for a more conversational and naturalistic tone.
Incorporation of Medieval Music and Ritual
The play is heavily influenced by medieval music and ritual. The Chorus often sings liturgical chants and hymns, and the action of the play is punctuated by moments of ritual, such as the washing of Becket’s feet and the anointing of his body after his murder.
Influence of Greek Tragedy
Murder in the Cathedralalso draws inspiration from Greek tragedy. The play’s structure, with its division into five acts and its use of a chorus, is reminiscent of classical Greek drama. Additionally, the play explores themes of fate, destiny, and the conflict between the individual and the state, which are common themes in Greek tragedy.
Historical Context
Murder in the Cathedralis set against the backdrop of the real-life conflict between King Henry II of England and Archbishop Thomas Becket. This conflict stemmed from the clash between the secular and ecclesiastical authorities in medieval society.
The Church held immense power and influence in medieval Europe. The clergy were exempt from royal jurisdiction and enjoyed significant privileges. This often led to tensions with the monarchy, which sought to assert its authority over all subjects, including the clergy.
The Conflict between Henry II and Thomas Becket
The conflict between Henry II and Thomas Becket began when Henry appointed Becket as Archbishop of Canterbury in 1162. Henry expected Becket to be a loyal supporter of the crown, but Becket proved to be a staunch defender of the Church’s rights and privileges.
Henry’s attempts to curb the Church’s power led to a series of confrontations with Becket. In 1164, Becket refused to sign the Constitutions of Clarendon, which would have limited the Church’s jurisdiction. This led to Becket’s exile from England.
Becket eventually returned to England in 1170, but the conflict with Henry continued. On December 29, 1170, Becket was murdered in Canterbury Cathedral by four knights loyal to Henry.
The Significance of Becket’s Martyrdom
Becket’s martyrdom had a profound impact on medieval society. He was seen as a martyr for the Church’s rights and privileges. His death led to a wave of popular support for the Church and increased tensions between the monarchy and the clergy.
Becket’s martyrdom also had a significant impact on English law. In 1173, Henry II issued the Assize of Clarendon, which established the royal courts as the supreme courts in the land. This helped to curb the power of the Church’s courts and strengthened the authority of the monarchy.
Critical Reception
Upon its publication in 1935, Murder in the Cathedralgarnered widespread critical acclaim for its groundbreaking form, powerful themes, and insightful exploration of the human condition. The play’s unique blend of historical drama, religious allegory, and poetic language captivated critics and audiences alike.
One of the most influential reviews came from the esteemed critic T.S. Eliot, who hailed the play as a “masterpiece” and praised its “profound understanding of the human soul.” Eliot’s endorsement helped solidify the play’s reputation as a modern classic.
Impact on Theater and Literature
Murder in the Cathedralhad a profound impact on the development of both theater and literature. Its experimental form and unconventional staging techniques challenged traditional notions of dramatic structure and inspired subsequent generations of playwrights to explore new possibilities in theater.
The play’s success also helped to revive interest in poetic drama and influenced the work of numerous poets and playwrights, including W.H. Auden, Christopher Fry, and John Osborne. Eliot’s use of verse and his exploration of religious themes paved the way for a new wave of literary works that grappled with similar concerns.
Enduring Legacy and Relevance
Murder in the Cathedralcontinues to be performed and studied around the world, testament to its enduring relevance and power. The play’s themes of martyrdom, sacrifice, and the struggle between good and evil resonate deeply with audiences in the 21st century.
The play’s enduring legacy is also evident in its adaptation into other art forms, including opera, film, and television. These adaptations have introduced Murder in the Cathedralto new audiences and ensured that its message and themes will continue to be explored and debated for generations to come.
FAQ Summary
What is the central conflict in Murder in the Cathedral?
The central conflict revolves around the clash between church and state, embodied by the Archbishop Thomas Becket and King Henry II.
How does Eliot use symbolism in the play?
Eliot employs symbolism extensively, with the cathedral representing the church, the knights’ swords symbolizing violence, and Becket’s blood signifying sacrifice.
What is the significance of the historical context in Murder in the Cathedral?
The play is deeply rooted in the historical conflict between Henry II and Becket, shedding light on the role of the church and the nature of power in medieval society.
