This is clearly stated in murder in the cathedral in which Thomas states " 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." It is according to this view that Thomas dies. This view of martyrdom was accepted in the 1930's and 40's because in those times martyrs were looked upon as great men who died for God and this view only furthered that attitude. This view represents the contemporary values of honour and bravery that are seen in today's society. For these days someone similar to a martyr is one who loses his life for a just cause. Hence, this view of martyrdom is seen as justly in the present context.
By presenting both views of martyrdom in a way that represented good versus evil, Eliot has actually appealed to both the intended audience and the contemporary audience.
The attitude towards temptation in murder in the cathedral is evident early in the text when Thomas is approached by four tempters. The first offers fleshy delights of youth. The second offers great power " Power obtained grows to glory, / life lasting, a permanent possession." The third offers him the power to rule and strike against the King's injustice " in the fight for liberty. You, my lord, / in being with us, would fight a good stroke ending the tyrannous jurisdiction" And the fourth of course offers him martyrdom. Thomas argues and then refuses each tempter in turn. Eliot's attitude towards temptation is one that shows humanity can rise above temptation and achieve greater good. Thomas achieves this greater good when he goes on to die as a true martyr. The intended audience received this attitude in a positive way since it is very similar to the story of Jesus being tempted by the devil. In those days religion was much more prominent and so the attitude towards temptation would have been received well by the intended audience.