Murder in the Cathedral - Introduction

 

Murder in the Cathedral 

 

We fill our days with routine: classes, loneliness, the comfort of familiar complaints, and the presence of loved ones. We grapple with anxieties, primarily about ourselves, navigating a world of uncertainty. Yet, despite—or perhaps because of—this ambiguity, we dream. We project these dreams into the future, creating an escape when the present becomes unbearable. We cherish the memories of past dreams, romanticizing the past as a refuge. Dreams offer a sense of purpose, a belief that our actions and aspirations will one day align. As T.S. Eliot wrote, "Humankind cannot bear very much reality."

Thomas Becket's Choice: Destiny or Decision?

"Murder in the Cathedral" explores the complex journey of Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, a man confronted with the realization of his dreams. He had abandoned political power and royal favor upon accepting his ecclesiastical role, a position that placed him at the heart of historical change. The play starts with Becket's return from a seven-year exile and culminates in his assassination by the King's knights.

Eliot's narrative is a study of a man forced to choose between yielding to divine will and forging his own destiny. Becket's torment stems from the recognition that both paths lead to martyrdom. The pull of power and glory, his long-held desires, are accessible through both humble submission and decisive action. His ultimate judgment centres’ on whether he embraces or dictates his fate. He struggles with the profound truth: "The last temptation is the greatest treason: To do the right deed for the wrong reason."

Ritual and Poetry: Staging Becket's Torment

T.S. Eliot's highly stylized and rigidly structured dramatic form might initially seem an unlikely vehicle for portraying the turmoil of Becket's struggle. The audience witnesses not a conventional play, but a ritualistic enactment. The characters' dialogue is rendered in poetic verse, with a plain plot structure. The responsibility falls to the director and actors to infuse this ritual with the emotional depth and intensity of its themes.

A significant challenge in staging "Murder in the Cathedral" lies in animating the actors during the lengthy poetic passages. The play's limited physical action risks diluting its impact, potentially submerging the powerful words in a static performance. The key is to find ways to make the language come alive, to translate the internal struggle into a compelling visual and emotional experience.

"Murder in the Cathedral": A Story in Poetry

"Murder in the Cathedral" is a famous play written by T.S. Eliot. It's written in a beautiful, poetic style, and it tells the story of Thomas Becket, a very important religious leader.

The Story:

• Who: Thomas Becket was the Archbishop of Canterbury, a high-ranking church official.
• Where: The play takes place in Canterbury Cathedral, a famous church in England.
• When: The story is set in December 1170.
• What: The play is about Thomas Becket's return to England after being away for seven years. He had a difficult relationship with King Henry II.
• The Chorus: The play uses a "chorus," like in ancient Greek plays. This chorus is made up of poor women from Canterbury who are worried about what will happen.
• Temptations: Thomas has to resist four different things that tempt him: enjoying life's pleasures, having power, leading a rebellion against the king, and becoming a martyr.
• The Ending: After giving a Christmas sermon, Thomas is killed by four knights who work for the king, right inside the cathedral.

Why it's special:

• It's written in beautiful poetry.
• It uses a chorus to show the feelings of the people.
• It explores the difficult choice between following your own will, and the will of God.
• It is about the historical murder of a very important religious figure.