Essay on Murder in the Cathedral - 730 Words

The Controversy between Morals and Ethics In Murder in the Cathedral written by T. S. Eliot in the eleventh century, Thomas Becket, the archbishop and main character, opposes the will of society. Thomas has returned to Canterbury after seven years in France exiled from the world. Thomas reason for returning is not to stir up trouble as it is perceived, but to see what has changed and if there was anything he could do to make a change. The ethical and moral values of Thomas Becket are in opposition with the chorus (which represents society), the knights (who represent the king), and as well as his own internal conflict represented by the tempters. The chorus of women was put in the play to represent the voice of all the citizens†¦show more content†¦Meaning if Thomas had not put himself in a higher status as the king he would not have been killed. The fourth knight believes Thomas killed himself. It was Suicide of an Unsound Mind. Not only was Thomas Becket in opposition with others, but he was also dealing wi th internal conflicts. The four tempters in Murder in the Cathedral attempt to persuade/tempt Thomas Becket into doing what they each feel would have the most positive outcome. Thomas first temptation, given by the first tempter, was to forget about the bad that happened in the past and remember only good times. He asks Thomas to look back at his youthful times. Thomas replies by saying that focusing on the past would blind him from his present. The second tempter wants Thomas to forget about his pride and work with the king (work under him) as chancellor. Thomas Becket refuses because he wants divine power, which he will not have as an earthly chancellor. The third tempter is a common man and wants Becket to join a group of men to overthrow King Henry, murder him. Thomas Becket dismisses this temptation because he does not want to be labeled a traitor, ironic. The fourth and final tempter and also unexpected wants Becket to bend to his own guilty thoughts and desires. This tempter does nothing or offers anything but Thomass own personal thoughts. The fourthShow MoreRelatedMurder in The Cathedral1097 Words   |  4 PagesMurder in the Cathedral was one of the first successful religious plays of the 20th Century (Weintraub). This play, and many others in the time period, shows the effects of World War II and the rising political power in Germany. Murder in the Cathedral shows the struggle of one man’s obligation to religion and defying the many temptations of a political leader. Murder in the Cathedral was influenced by the increasing political ideas in the time period. During this time period in Europe, the risingRead MoreT.S.Eliot Murder in the Cathedral1975 Words   |  8 PagesT.S. 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