Francis Fergusson's tragic theory can be applied to the movie Becket by Jean Anouilh. Since the three characteristics of purpose, passion, and perception can be applied, this play can be considered a tragedy.
In the beginning of the movie, Becket's purpose is to find honor. Becket explains his passion to Henry about collaboration and honor: to be a Saxon is to be slaughtered, to be Norman is to live well, Becket chooses to live well, therefore he collaborates to live (question 4). He perceives that honor is a "private matter" and each man has his own impression on it (question 5). Therefore, he tries to seek his honor in truth (question 13). However, he comes to realize that "there is only a void where honor should be" (question 12). .
During the middle of the movie, Becket's perception is to find his honor by defending the honor of God (question 25). Doing so, he chooses his purpose to accept the title of Archbishop of Canterbury (question 22). Henry reveals Becket's fate however, "the die is cast Thomas, make the best of it" (question 19). Becket realizes in accepting the title of Archbishop of Canterbury, he must relinquish the title of Chancellor of England. Since he didn't find his honor in truth, he gladly gives up the ring and title of Chancellor of England (question 29). Consequently, Henry accuses Becket of betraying him and challenging his power (question 31). Becket leaves England and goes to France and Rome until tensions die down (question 33).
Returning from France and Rome, Becket meets Henry and tells him that he will find his purpose when "the honor of God and the honor of the king become one" (question 35). While getting ready for vespers, in essence, getting ready to die, the supreme folly comes into play. Becket perceives that the only way "for the honor of god and the honor of the king to become one" is if he gives his life (question 42). Thomas does this because "it is for divine service" (question 41).
Becket said, "Honor is a private matter. ... "Where honor should be, there is only a void," said Becket to Gwendolyn. ... Becket was in a struggle with this dilemma for most of the movie. ... Where is Becket's honor?" ... Honor in Becket was, without a doubt, the motif of the movie. ...
In Jean Anouilh's play, Becket, Thomas Becket is a Saxon who is the advisor to the king and the Chancellor of England. ... Chancellor of England is what people use to describe Becket, so really Becket has no personal honor as a man. ... Becket does not take the job of Archbishop lightly. ... Although Becket's body is rotting away in his tomb, Becket's soul is actually up in heaven according to his belief. ... If while with the king, Becket wonders "where is Becket's honor" (37), then on the opposite side, with God, Becket must have his honor. ...
Early British Hitory Thomas á Becket and the Catholic Context The tragedy of Thomas á Becket and his relationship with Henry II was symptomatic throughout the Europe of the day. ... Early Life through Chancellorship Thomas á Becket was born circa 1118 (some sources claim 1120) in London to a wealthy merchant, Gilbert Becket and Roesa or Matilda of Caen, of Norman roots. ... Becket became proficient in hunting and hawking, two sports in which he would later indulge consistently with Henry II, under the wing of Richer of Laigle who fac...
By asking Becket for his love, even the usually nave King tries to penetrate through Becket's apathetic barrier. ... Although Becket finds self-purpose in simply serving God, Becket's true honor is realized when he states, "The kingdom of god must be defended like any other kingdom."" ... Becket's stirring realization reveals the pain he endures; but in order to bear honor, it is a sacrifice Becket is willing to make. ... Becket is a man true to his word. ... Becket's saga illustrates that nothing could closer to the truth. ...
Even though the man receives respect from people around him andis inaplace of exbit these characteristics are King Henry II in Becket by Jean Anouilh and Atticus in To Kill a Mocking Bird by Lee Harper. In Becket, King Henry II is the most powerful man in England but he feels lonely. ... Both Becket and To Kill a Mocking Bird, demonstrate what Ibsen said in his quote. ...
The statement foreshadows Becket's death because the way that Becket interprets honor is by living. ... Becket answering to the King when the King asks him how he combines, honor and collaboration foreshadows Becket's death. Becket answers ."... The king never thought that Becket would turn on him. ... Becket lives by God, and honor God. ...
Staring Richard Burton as the character of Becket and Peter O'Toole as Henry II the film is a bout the lifelong friendship of Henry II and the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket. Where at he climax the friendship is tested and ends in tragedy as Becket grows more confident and thoughtful in his position. ... The character of Becket on the other hand, displays leadership on some what other trends. To begin with, quite clearly Becket in his late position was a democratic leader. ... Becket on the other hand as Bishop, can be classified as under a new concept, the concept of "t...
In the movie Becket, it is obvious that there is a conflict between church and state. ... The conflict between church and state in Becket is blatantly obvious. ... Becket wanted the church and its people to be only subject to God's representative on earth, the Pope. ...
