QUESTION & ANSWERS- "MURDER IN THE CATHEDRAL"

 

QUESTION & ANSWERS- "MURDER IN THE CATHEDRAL"

 

THE ROLE OF THE CHORUS IN "MURDER IN THE CATHEDRAL"

The Chorus in T.S. Eliot's "Murder in the Cathedral" plays a pivotal role, drawing heavily from the tradition of Greek tragedy. Composed of women from Canterbury, the Chorus acts as a mediator between the audience and the unfolding drama, voicing the thoughts and emotions of ordinary people. By commenting on the action, the Chorus bridges the gap between the audience and the events on stage, making the characters more relatable. This commentary not only provides insight into the emotional consequences of the actions but also intensifies the audience's emotional engagement with the drama, allowing them to empathize with the characters' experiences.

The Chorus is significant as it represents the common man, embodying the experiences and fears of ordinary individuals. This makes the play's themes more universal, as the audience can see themselves reflected in the Chorus's anxieties and judgments. The Chorus is also crucial in developing the themes of faith, sacrifice, and martyrdom. Initially fearful of Becket's fate, they eventually come to understand his death as part of a divine plan, highlighting the play's central theme of martyrdom. This transformation underscores the play's exploration of spiritual struggle and redemption, as the Chorus evolves from expressing fear and foreboding to recognizing a higher purpose in Becket's sacrifice.

Furthermore, the Chorus uses poetic language to convey the timeless nature of the play's themes. Their speeches often echo elements of Becket's sermons, reinforcing the idea that sacrifice can lead to spiritual renewal. This symbolic and poetic function of the Chorus enhances the emotional and spiritual intensity of the play, making it a powerful exploration of human nature and divine purpose. Overall, the Chorus in "Murder in the Cathedral" serves as a bridge between the audience and the action, providing a common man's perspective on the events and underscoring the universal themes of sacrifice and redemption.

THOMAS BECKET'S CHARACTER IN "MURDER IN THE CATHEDRAL"

Thomas Becket, the central figure in T.S. Eliot's "Murder in the Cathedral," is portrayed as a complex character grappling with spiritual and moral dilemmas. He is depicted as a man of strong convictions, deeply committed to his faith and the principles of the Church. However, he is also shown to be flawed, particularly with a tendency towards pride and egoism, which are highlighted as significant human frailties. The play explores Becket's inner struggle as he faces various temptations, each testing his resolve and moral fiber. The first three tempters offer him material power and alliances, which he rejects as beneath his spiritual aspirations. The fourth tempter, however, presents a more insidious challenge by suggesting that Becket seek martyrdom for personal glory, a temptation that resonates deeply with Becket's pride.

Despite the allure of the fourth tempter's offer, Becket comes to realize that true martyrdom must be accepted without seeking personal glory. He understands that a true martyr desires nothing, not even martyrdom itself. This realization marks a significant development in Becket's character, as he transitions from a state of imperfect motives to one of spiritual clarity. He accepts his fate, not as a means to achieve personal recognition but as a fulfillment of God's will. This acceptance is underscored by his refusal to flee or hide from his assassins, demonstrating his readiness to face death with courage and conviction. Through this transformation, Becket embodies the ideals of sainthood, transcending earthly concerns to achieve a higher level of spiritual awareness.

Becket's character can be seen as both static and dynamic. He is static in his unwavering commitment to his principles but dynamic in his moral growth. Initially, his pride and egoism are evident, but through his struggles, he achieves a higher level of spiritual awareness. This transformation allows him to transcend earthly concerns and embody the ideals of sainthood. While Becket shares some traits with the Aristotelian tragic hero, such as a flaw (pride), his ultimate triumph over this flaw distinguishes him from the typical tragic hero. Instead of succumbing to his flaws, Becket conquers them, achieving a state of spiritual perfection. Historically, Thomas Becket's murder in Canterbury Cathedral was a pivotal event, shocking the nation and leading to widespread veneration of Becket as a martyr. In the play, Becket's character serves as a symbol of the conflict between church and state, as well as the enduring power of faith and martyrdom.

In summary, Thomas Becket in "Murder in the Cathedral" is a complex figure, marked by both human frailty and spiritual strength. His journey from pride to acceptance of martyrdom for the right reasons underscores the play's central themes of faith, sacrifice, and redemption. Through his character, Eliot explores the nature of true martyrdom and the pursuit of spiritual purity in the face of worldly temptations, making Becket a compelling and enduring figure in literary history.

IN T.S. ELIOT'S "MURDER IN THE CATHEDRAL," THE FOUR TEMPTERS REPRESENT DIFFERENT FACETS OF TEMPTATION THAT CHALLENGE THOMAS BECKET'S RESOLVE AND SPIRITUAL INTEGRITY.

The First Tempter: This tempter represents the allure of pleasure and social life. He offers Becket the opportunity to return to his former life of luxury and companionship with King Henry II, suggesting that he can enjoy parties, entertainment, and other worldly pleasures without facing conflict with the king.

The Second Tempter: This tempter appeals to Becket's sense of loyalty and friendship, reminding him of his past relationship with the king. He suggests that by siding with Henry, Becket can maintain peace and protect his friends, thus using secular power to achieve stability and justice.

The Third Tempter: This tempter embodies the desire for self-preservation and safety. He argues that Becket should avoid martyrdom and focus on his own well-being, suggesting that he can still serve God without sacrificing his life.

The Fourth Tempter: The final tempter represents the most insidious challenge, appealing to Becket's pride and desire for spiritual glory. He encourages Becket to seek martyrdom not for its inherent value but for the personal recognition and sainthood it would bring, highlighting the danger of doing the right deed for the wrong reason. This temptation is particularly difficult for Becket to overcome, as it resonates with his own pride and ambition. Ultimately, Becket rejects this temptation, choosing to accept his fate as a martyr for the right reasons, thus underscoring the play's central themes of sacrifice and faith.

EXAMINE THE HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF "MURDER IN THE CATHEDRAL" AND ITS RELEVANCE TO MODERN SOCIETY.

T.S. Eliot's "Murder in the Cathedral" is deeply rooted in historical context, drawing from the tumultuous relationship between Archbishop Thomas Becket and King Henry II in 12th-century England. The play is based on the real event of Becket's murder in Canterbury Cathedral on December 29, 1170, which was a culmination of a decade-long dispute over the balance of power between the church and the state. King Henry II sought to assert his authority over the clergy, believing they should be subject to secular law for crimes committed outside their religious duties. Becket, however, insisted that clergy members should only be tried by ecclesiastical courts, leading to a severe conflict that ultimately resulted in his assassination by four knights who interpreted the king's frustration as an indirect order to kill Becket.

Despite being set in medieval times, "Murder in the Cathedral" retains significant relevance to modern society. The play explores universal themes such as the struggle for power, the tension between individual conscience and authority, and the nature of sacrifice and martyrdom. These themes continue to resonate today, as societies grapple with issues of religious freedom, political power struggles, and the role of individual dissent in challenging established authority. The play's portrayal of a strong individual standing against oppressive forces also speaks to contemporary concerns about personal freedom and the responsibility to act according to one's beliefs, even in the face of overwhelming opposition.

Furthermore, the play's exploration of the conflict between church and state remains pertinent in modern times, where debates about the separation of church and state continue to influence political and social discourse. The historical event of Becket's martyrdom, which led to his canonization and the transformation of Canterbury Cathedral into a major pilgrimage site, underscores the enduring impact of religious figures on cultural and political landscapes. In this sense, "Murder in the Cathedral" not only reflects on past conflicts but also offers insights into the ongoing dynamics between religious institutions and secular powers, making it a work of enduring relevance in contemporary society.

EXPLORE THE THEME OF "ACTION" VERSUS "SUFFERING" IN "MURDER IN THE CATHEDRAL." HOW DOES THOMAS BECKET NAVIGATE THIS DICHOTOMY, AND WHAT MESSAGE DOES ELIOT CONVEY THROUGH BECKET'S JOURNEY?

The theme of "action" versus "suffering" is a central dichotomy in T.S. Eliot's "Murder in the Cathedral," as it explores the complex relationship between human agency and passive endurance. In the play, "action" refers to man's attempts to influence his own fate, to declare his own individuality, while "suffering" is defined as "patient endurance," rather than mere pain, and involves retreating from individuality into a state of acceptance. Thomas Becket navigates this dichotomy by initially struggling with the desire to act in a way that would secure his own spiritual glory, only to realize that true martyrdom requires embracing suffering without seeking personal recognition. This realization leads him to adopt an "active patience," where he willingly submits to God's will, allowing himself to be a sacrifice for a higher purpose.

Through Becket's journey, Eliot conveys a profound message about the nature of spiritual growth and redemption. By embracing suffering as an integral part of his action, Becket transcends the limitations of human understanding and aligns himself with a divine plan. This transformation underscores the idea that true spiritual strength lies not in asserting one's will but in surrendering to a greater purpose. The play suggests that the dichotomy between action and suffering is not a binary opposition but a complementary relationship, where action becomes meaningful only when it is infused with the spirit of suffering or patient endurance. Ultimately, Eliot's portrayal of Becket's journey highlights the importance of self-sacrifice and submission as necessary steps towards spiritual enlightenment, emphasizing that true courage and determination involve embracing both action and suffering as part of a unified whole.

The exploration of this theme also resonates with the broader historical and philosophical context of the play. The conflict between worldly power and spiritual authority, as exemplified by the struggle between King Henry II and Archbishop Becket, serves as a backdrop for this exploration. By choosing martyrdom over compromise with secular authority, Becket embodies the idea that spiritual power transcends temporal power, and that true action is not about asserting dominance but about aligning oneself with eternal values. Through this narrative, Eliot invites the audience to reflect on the nature of sacrifice, courage, and the human condition, emphasizing that true heroism lies not in avoiding suffering but in embracing it as a path to spiritual fulfilment.