Murder in the Cathedral

Short Questions
Who was King of England in Becket's time?
Henry II

What position does Thomas hold at the time of his murder?

He was an Archbishop.

What position has Thomas held in the past?

He was a Chancellor.

Where has Thomas been before the play starts?

He was in France.

How long has Thomas been gone when he returns?

Seven years

Where is the cathedral?

In Canterbury.

What does the chorus compromise of in Murder in Cathedral?

The Chorus in the murder in the Cathedral composed of ordinary women of Canterbury who are neither
saints nor sinners like Knights.

Why did Eliot Write Murder in Cathedral?

Because he was commissioned for a festival.

What year was the play first performed?

In 1935.

Why has the Chorus gathered at the top of the play?

Because they sense something bad is going to happen.

How can one best describe the Chorus's attitude at the top of the play?
The Chorus attitude is Pessimistic.

How does the Chorus feel about Thomas's return?

The Chorus was worried about Thomas' return.
What is the First Priest like?
He was worried.

What is the Second Priest like?

He was Pragmatic.

What is the Third Priest like?

Patient.

What medieval image suggests patience?

The wheel.

In the image of the "wheel," who sits at the center?

The God.

Who brings news of Thomas's return?

Herald.

Why is the Herald worried about Thomas's return?

Because Violence might follow.

What is Thomas's main flaw?

Pride.

How does the Chorus describe their lives in Part I?

Living and Partly Living.

For what does the Second Priest chide the Chorus in Part I?
For being worried about Becket's return.

What are the two philosophies that Becket juxtaposes in terms of the Chorus?
Acting and suffering.

Why was Thomas's return difficult?

Because Barons were trying to capture him.

Explain how the play expresses and explores the conflict between "action" and "suffering."
It is first useful to understand both terms in the context of the play. "Action" refers to man's attempts to
influence his own fate, to declare his own individuality. "Suffering" is best defined as "patient
endurance," rather than "painful sensation," and in this way refers to man's impulse to retreat, to hide
his individuality in complacency. Thomas notes that this dichotomy seems like an irreconcilable
contradiction to humans, but ultimately discovers that he should embrace an active patience, in which
he willingly allows himself to be submissive as God's instrument. He will not seek martyrdom, but will
allow it to happen because God wills it.

What is the effect of double-casting the Tempters and the Knights?

By double-casting the tempters and the knights, a producer or director can stress the way that both
figures represent the worldly way of thinking that Thomas repudiates. At one point, when chiding one of
the priests, Thomas notes that the world judges "by results," meaning that the end can justify the
means. Such a philosophy allows humans to rationalize and justify their behavior, as opposed to
accepting their naturally sinful nature.

Explain the journey of the Chorus throughout the play.

Throughout the play, they recognize the limits of their complacency in life, learn to confront the world,
and endeavor to make themselves instruments of God. As the play progresses, the Chorus realizes this
difficulty and its speeches grow more brutal in both imagery and sentiment. However, the Chorus finally,
bravely accepts its share of the "eternal burden" and ends the play by asking God and Thomas to help
them attempt the struggle.

In what ways is the play pessimistic? In what ways is it optimistic?

Murder in the Cathedral is at its core based on Christian faith and optimism. Thomas bravely repudiates
the limitations of physical existence to secure a spiritual path for himself and those who will come after
him. Much like Christ did, Thomas sacrifices himself to illustrate the glory of subsuming oneself to God's
command. However, the play is extremely pessimistic in its depiction of the life of suffering. As the play
progresses, the Chorus gives speeches that are progressively more pessimistic. Not only is life full of
thankless toil and examples of powerlessness, but one can be further discouraged by pursing a holy life
of integrity, since such a perspective only reveals how much deeper the depths of human depravity truly
are.
1. In what year does Murder in the Cathedral take place?

1170.

2. In Part One, where does the action of the play take place?

The Archbishop's Hall.

3. In what city of England does the story take place?

Canterbury.

4. What character(s) opens the play with the first monologue?

The Chorus.

5. According to the information in the opening monologue, how many years have
passed since the Archbishop has left the city?

Seven.

6. What does the Chorus claim is their purpose in the action of the play?
To witness the events and take no action.

7. What group of people does the Chorus consist of?

The Women of Canterbury.