Full Answer
How many films of murder in the cathedral are there?
For the films, see Murder in the Cathedral (1951 film), Murder in the Cathedral (1962 film), and Murder in the Cathedral (2020 film). Murder in the Cathedral is a verse drama by T.S. Eliot, first performed in 1935, that portrays the assassination of Archbishop Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral during the reign of Henry II in 1170.
What is murder in the cathedral?
Murder in the Cathedral was written especially for performance at the 1935 Canterbury Festival and was performed in the Chapter House of the cathedral, only fifty yards away from the very spot on which Becket was killed.
How are the choral speeches presented in murder in the cathedral?
In staging T. S. Eliot’s poetic drama Murder in the Cathedral, one of the principal technical and artistic-interpretive problems involves the presentation of the choral speeches. Textually they appear as odes with no specific instructions to indicate differentiation of voices.
When was the first review of the murder in the cathedral?
Review of Murder in the Cathedral in Christian Century, October 2, 1935, pp. 1249-50. Van Doren, Mark. “The Holy Blisful Martir” in the Nation, October 9, 1935, p. 417.
What happens when the knights come back to the cathedral?
When the knights come back to the cathedral, the priests bar its front doors, preventing them from entering.
What did the priests conclude about Becket's death?
The priests, however, conclude that Becket’s death was a manifestation of fate, and that the Church is stronger for it. The four knights then turn towards the audience and offer arguments in defense of their decision to murder Becket.
Why did Thomas Becket leave the Canterbury congregation?
Becket has been away because of religious and political conflicts he came to have with King Henry II.
Who unbars the doors in Canterbury?
The priests unbar the doors, and the knights enter and kill Becket. Devastated by Becket’s death, the Chorus cries out in painful desperation that the sky and air be cleansed of the death newly sprung upon Canterbury.
What did the king do before Becket left?
Before Becket left, the king appointed him to be the Chancellor of England as well as Archbishop. After initially accepting both positions, however, Becket immediately dropped the chancellorship. Further, the knights say Becket then began to abandon all the king’s policies which he had formerly supported.
When was Murder in the Cathedral first performed?
Action in the Play. Murder in the Cathedral was first performed in 1935. It uses rhyming verse and is broken into two acts with an interlude between them. In the first act, the audience is introduced to a chorus that sings of the violence that is going to take place.
Who wrote Murder in the Cathedral?
This lesson will explore T. S. Eliot' s 'Murder in the Cathedral.'. In addition to looking at the plot of the play, we'll consider Eliot's life and the context in which he wrote.
What happened to Beckett after he was convicted of contempt of royal authority?
After several failed attempts to win Beckett over, the king convicted Beckett of contempt of royal authority, and Beckett fled. In response to the ruling, Beckett began excommunicating members of the English court from the church, an action that ultimately resulted in four knights tracking Beckett down and killing him.
What is the name of the drama that Eliot wrote about the death of Archbishop Thomas Beckett
One of Eliot's most famous dramas is Murder in the Cathedral (1935), which depicts the final days and murder of Archbishop Thomas Beckett. Beckett defied King Henry's attempts to limit the power of the Catholic Church and was ultimately killed by four knights.
What did the knights say to Beckett?
Following the murder, the knights speak directly to the crowd, explaining that the murder was necessary.
What is the modernist theme of the drama?
The drama reflects many modernist themes, including the nature of psychological experience and the complicated nature of power. Lesson at a Glance. T. S. Eliot's play Murder in the Cathedral is an example of modernist literature, the artistic movement that was interested in creating innovative art that dealt with the changing ideas ...
What is the Chorus in Canterbury?
The Chorus occupies the lowest position of power in Canterbury society, both spiritually and politically. Spiritually, they are subjects of the Archbishop and look to him for religious guidance. Politically, they are peasants at the hands of those with earthly wealth and power. Active Themes.
Where does the play Loyalty and Guilt take place?
Loyalty and Guilt. Summary. Analysis. The play begins in the Archbishop’s Hall of Canterbury Cathedral; the date is December 29, 1170. The members of the Chorus —made up of common women of Canterbury—are the first to speak. They say that it’s been seven years since Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, has left them, ...
What does the fourth tempter reveal about Becket?
The fourth tempter reveals that Becket is maybe not so personally disinterested in his martyrdom as he may think he is or wants to be. Becket actually is quite invested in his martyrdom in a way that is somewhat selfish at this point in the play; he merely wants the spiritual glory martyrdom affords. Active Themes.
What does Becket refuse to give in to the first tempter's hopes of restoring the pleasures of
Becket refuses to given in to the first tempter’s hopes of restoring the pleasures of the past. Rather, he holds the philosophy that nothing can ever be repeated—and so it would be futile to try and restore his past relationship with the king. Active Themes. Related Quotes with Explanations.
What does the priest say to the herald?
The first priest says he fears for the Archbishop and the Church, adding that he always thought Becket was out of place in the world of political power (Becket was formerly both Archbishop and Chancellor).
Which tempter totally dismisses spiritual power as a valid form of authority that has any effects on the world?
The second tempter totally dismisses spiritual power as a valid form of authority that has any effects on the world, claiming that the office of the Chancellorship (a form of worldly or temporal power) holds a more effective power than the Archbishop.
What is the tempter's purpose in Canterbury?
The first tempter is just concerned with restoring the happiness and enjoyment of life in Canterbury’s past— he’s not invested in any higher spiritual goals. He thinks that restoring happiness—through the mending of Becket’s relationship with the king—is the sole solution to the problems facing Canterbury.
Why is murder in the cathedral still performed?
In part because it is a religious drama which appeared long after such plays were popular, Murder in the Cathedral is still performed, studied, and regarded as one of Eliot’s major works, a testament to his skill as a poet and dramatist.
Who sent the four knights to kill Thomas?
Sent by King Henry to kill Thomas, the Four Knights parallel the Four Tempters of Part One. While the Tempters offer intellectual and spiritual trickery, the Knights threaten Thomas with physical violence, ultimately following through on their threat when they kill him near the end of the play.
What does Thomas pray to the Knights?
After refusing to recant any of his former convictions or renounce any of his former actions, Thomas prays: “Now to Almighty God . . . I commend my cause and that of the Church.”.
When was Becket canonized?
After being officially (although not personally) reconciled with the King, Becket returned to England in 1170, only to be murdered as he prayed in Canterbury Cathedral by four of Henry’s Knights. Three years later, he was canonized and pilgrims—Henry among them—have made their way to his tomb ever since.
Who was the archbishop of Canterbury?
In 1163, a quarrel began between the British King Henry II and the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket. The men had been good friends, but each felt that his interests should be of primary concern to the nation and that the other should acquiesce to his demands.
Who said that martyrdom is never the design of man?
Thomas expands upon this idea by asking his listeners to remember that martyrdom “is never the design of man,” for “the true martyr is he who has become the instrument of God, who has lost his will in the will of God, and who no longer desires anything for himself, not even the glory of being a martyr.”.
When was murder in the cathedral?
Murder in the Cathedral opens in the Archbishop's Hall on December 2nd, 1170 . A Chorus, comprising women of Canterbury, has gathered at the cathedral with some premonition of a terrible event to come. In a long speech, they reflect on how their lives are defined by suffering and reflect on their archbishop, Thomas Becket.
What do the knights force him to do in the cathedral?
The knights force him from the hall and into the cathedral, against his protestations. As the scene changes, the women of the Chorus steel themselves for the death soon to follow. The priests bar the doors, which the knights then begin to besiege.
What is the third Knight's argument?
The Third Knight presents a long, complex argument suggesting that Becket was guilty of betraying the English people and hence was killed justly. The Fourth Knight suggests that Becket willed his own death by pursing martyrdom for the sake of pride, and hence is guilty of suicide, making the knights not guilty of murder.
What does the chorus demand of Thomas?
They demand Thomas lift all the excommunications he has put upon English rulers. He refuses, and they murder him. While Thomas is being murdered, the Chorus gives a long, desperate address lamenting the life they will now have to lead in the shadow of Thomas's martyrdom.
What does Thomas announce when he finishes the book?
When they finish, Thomas announces that his "way [is] clear" – he will not seek martyrdom from fame, but instead will submit to God's will. He has accepted his fate.
Why is Thomas insulted by the knights?
Thomas arrives and is immediately insulted and chided by the knights for what they perceive as disloyalty toward Henry and misuse of the archbishop's position to incite opposition to England. Thomas denies their interpretation of events but also reveals a serenity and readiness to die when necessary.
Where is the first scene of Part II set?
The first scene of Part II is set in the Archbishop's Hall on December 29th, 1170. The terrified Chorus begins with an ominous address, after which four boorish knights enter. They insist they are there on Henry's business from France and demand an audience with Thomas despite attempts by the priests to distract them.
What is the play Murder in the Cathedral about?
Murder in the Cathedral is a historical fiction play with strong Christian themes by the American-born British writer T.S. Eliot. It was first performed in Canterbury Cathedral on June 15, 1935 as part of the annual Canterbury Festival. The play is inspired by the murder of the Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Becket on December 29, 1170.
When was the play Assassinio nella catedrale first performed?
An Italian opera based on the play, Assassinio nella catedrale, with music by Ildebrando Pizzeti, was first performed in 1958.
What happens to Becket in the Cathedral?
Becket refuses to escape. Although the Cathedral doors are initially locked and bolted, the priests agree to open the doors and let the knights come in. The knights demand that Becket lift the excommunications which he has placed on England’s nobles. Becket refuses and is killed.
What does Becket tell the Chorus?
One of the priests tells the Chorus that they should pretend to be happy when Becket comes back to Canterbury. At that moment, Becket arrives unexpectedly. He tells the priest that he is wrong and that the women are right to worry, since nobody knows God’s plans.
What does the herald say about Thomas Becket?
A herald announces that Thomas Becket has returned to England and is on his way to Canterbury. He regrets to say that Becket and the King have not been reconciled and he fears that violence will follow. The priests and the Chorus talk about how they are certain to suffer when Becket returns.
What is the play "The Chorus of Women of Canterbury" about?
The Chorus of women of Canterbury gather at the Cathedral. They lament the difficult lives which they have to lead and have a premonition that something terrible will happen soon. They worry that Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, may soon return from his seven year exile in France, which would anger King Henry II. Three priests also comment that they miss their Archbishop but worry about what would happen if he were to return.
How does the chorus help the audience?
The chorus plays a very significant part in the play by providing necessary links and information the audience. It also guides the emotions of the audience by changing the tone of its own voice as per the situation.
Part 1
The chorus expresses their fear, misery, and unease. Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Becket has been in exile seven years, and they feel a sense of doom in the air. Three priests further discuss the situation, wondering if Becket has made peace with the king.
Interlude
Resigned to accept God's plan and will, Becket preaches a farewell sermon to his congregation in which he addresses the duality of salvation and suffering and says no martyr is made a saint except by God's design. Unlike most of the rest of the play, this section is delivered in prose.
Part 2
The chorus reiterates their fear and foreboding as four knights enter and demand to speak to Becket, claiming they have come by order of the king. When the priests try to offer them hospitality, they react with threats. Becket arrives and the knights accuse him of betraying the king and demand he recant his excommunications.
Overview
Murder in the Cathedral is a verse drama by T. S. Eliot, first performed in 1935, that portrays the assassination of Archbishop Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral during the reign of Henry II in 1170. Eliot drew heavily on the writing of Edward Grim, a clerk who was an eyewitness to the event.
Some material that the producer asked Eliot to remove or replace during the w…
Plot
The action occurs between 2 and 29 December 1170, chronicling the days leading up to the martyrdom of Thomas Becket following his absence of seven years in France. Becket's internal struggle is a central focus of the play.
The book is divided into two parts. Part one takes place in the Archbishop Thomas Becket's hall on 2 December 1170. The play begins with a Chorus singing, foreshadowing the coming violenc…
Performances
George Bell, the Bishop of Chichester, was instrumental in getting Eliot to work as writer with producer E. Martin Browne in producing the pageant play The Rock (1934). Bell then asked Eliot to write another play for the Canterbury Festival in 1935. Eliot agreed to do so if Browne once again produced (he did). The first performance was given on 15 June 1935 in the Chapter House of Canterbury Cathedral. Robert Speaight played the part of Becket. The production then moved to the Mercury …
Criticism by Eliot
In 1951, in the first Theodore Spencer Memorial Lecture at Harvard University, Eliot criticised his own plays in the second half of the lecture, explicitly the plays Murder in the Cathedral, The Family Reunion, and The Cocktail Party. The lecture was published as Poetry and Drama and later included in Eliot's 1957 collection On Poetry and Poets.
Parodies
In Series 3, episode 2 (1972), Monty Python's Flying Circus used the play as the basis for the weight loss product informercial, Trim-Jeans Theater:
Priest: I am here. No traitor to the King. First Knight: Absolve all those you have excommunicated. Second Knight: Resign those powers you have arrogated. Third Knight: Renew the obedience you have violated. Fourth Knight: Lose inches off your hips, thighs, buttocks and abdomen.
In Series 3, episode 2 (1972), Monty Python's Flying Circus used the play as the basis for the weight loss product informercial, Trim-Jeans Theater:
Priest: I am here. No traitor to the King. First Knight: Absolve all those you have excommunicated. Second Knight: Resign those powers you have arrogated. Third Knight: Renew the obedience you have violated. Fourth Knight: Lose inches off your hips, thighs, buttocks and abdomen.
Further reading
• Browne, E. Martin. The Making of T.S. Eliot's Plays. London: Cambridge University Press, 1969.
• Browne, E. Martin. "T.S. Eliot in the Theatre: The Director's Memories", T. S. Eliot – The Man and His Work, Tate, Allen (ed), Delta, New York, 1966
• Hoellering, George. "Filming Murder in the Cathedral." T.S. Eliot: A Symposium for His Seventieth Birthday. Ed. Neville Braybrooke. New York: Books for Libraries, 1968. pp. 81–84
External links
• Murder in the Cathedral at Faded Page (Canada)
• Edward Grim's account of the murder of Thomas Becket from his Life of Thomas Becket