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Murder in the Cathedral

            Thomas Stearns Eliot was born in September 26th 1888. A poet, playwright and a literary critic, TS Eliot became a man that paved the way for the advancement of Anglo-American literature. According to most people he became the prime leader of the modernist movement in the field of Literature as his poetry and drama revolutionized the genres, as did his critical analysis of different forms of literature. His revitalizing work finally awarded him the Noble Peace Prize of Literature in 1948.
             "Murder in the Cathedral" is TS Eliot's version of the murder of Thomas Beckett by 4 Royal Knights when they overheard the king wishing that the Archbishop (Thomas Beckett) would be taken care of. Despite the lack of importance the King put into these words, the knights proceeded to fulfill his wish and murdered the bishop. TS Eliot decided to make the drama more psychological, as he was deeply engrossed in the ever increasing secular world. Being highly religious, he proceeded in including a moving message in the play about martyrdom and power; the might that was shared between the crown and the church.
             Being a literature modernist, TS Eliot had not forgone a sense of unorthodox workings in his play. His play challenges contemporary values and attitudes by focusing on points that were ignored in the world of depression and post World War 1. The 1930's been the year of Depression (or at least the end of it) and was a fairly peaceful period in the wake of the devastating World War and the economic stagnation caused by the depression. Drama and other forms of literature that were published in the time frame were based on the themes of comedy or romance. A drama such as "Nagy Szerelem" (A Great Love) that was made in 1935 had obvious romantic appeal. The reason for this trend was to cheer up the battered spirits of a country overwhelmed by war and living in poverty. "Murder in the Cathedral" however leant more towards the religious side of drama and not only is it based on a notion that was overtaken by leaps in technology and the current political forecast but it had a sad, almost tragic pace as it replays the murder of Thomas Beckett.


Essays Related to Murder in the Cathedral

1. Murder in the Cathedral

The text I have studied is Murder In The Cathedral written by T.S. ... For its view on martyrdom murder in the cathedral was well received because in those times martyrdom was respected and on the whole society was very religious. ... The attitude towards temptation in murder in the cathedral is evident early in the text when Thomas is approached by four tempters. ... The attitude towards power in murder in the cathedral is prominent throughout the text. ... The intended audience therefore easily accepted the attitude put forward in murder in the cathedral towards religious power. ...

  • Word Count: 1169
  • Approx Pages: 5
  • Grade Level: High School

2. Murder in the Cathedral

Murder in the Cathedral: A Call to Responsible Life History is often viewed as impersonal and amoral.The stuff of history just happens.We are not the makers of history but its pawns, and we bear no responsibility for how the game is played out. In his play Murder in the Cathedral, T.S. ... In his play, Murder in the Cathedral, T.S. ... A close look into the characters of Murder in the Cathedral reveals that, '"'Murder in the Cathedral is not just a dramatization of the death of Thomas Becket; it is a deep-searching study of the significance of martyrdom'"' (Jones 59). ......

  • Word Count: 1484
  • Approx Pages: 6
  • Grade Level: High School

3. Murder in the Cathedral

In addition to his large body of poetry, Eliot wrote a number of 'verse' dramas including Murder in the Cathedral, The Family Reunion, and The Cocktail Party. Murder in the Cathedral With his best-known play, Murder in the Cathedral (1935), based on the murder of Thomas Becket, Eliot hoped to revive poetic drama. ... Thomas Beckett was killed in 1170 in Canterbury cathedral. ... The short play has two scenes, one about a month before the murder, when Beckett returned to Canterbury from the 7 years of exile in France, and the actual murder itself. ... Murder in the Cathedral is ...

  • Word Count: 1325
  • Approx Pages: 5
  • Grade Level: High School

4. The Medieval Church Cathedrals

It is seen in the overall cruciform shape of a cathedral. ... The casket depicted scenes of his murder, burial and ascent into paradise. ... All cathedrals had a Lady Chapel, where the Virgin Mary was worshipped. ... The laity worshipped in the Nave of the cathedral. The nave is the main body of a church or cathedral which is in the shape of the crucifix. ...

  • Word Count: 443
  • Approx Pages: 2
  • Grade Level: High School

5. historical background of The Murder in the Cathedral

'The Rock' was an essential step in T.s Eliot's theatrical apprenticeship.In it he taught himself how to write choral lines in greek fashion and in the style of the english morality plays'Everyman'.A request for a pageant play to raise funds for church building started Eliot off on his quest for a modern poetic drama.The effectiveness of 'the Rock'choruses ensured that the device would become an important feature of 'Murder in the Cathedral',although in the later the effects were more varied and dramatic. ...

  • Word Count: 448
  • Approx Pages: 2
  • Grade Level: Undergraduate

6. La Esmeralda

Jealously he stabs Phoebus and then escapes, so that Esmeralda is arrested for the murder. ... The boy, Quasimodo, becomes the bell ringer of the cathedral, slavishly loyal to his master. ... Esmeralda is accused of murder and sentenced to death. Quasimodo, understanding all that Pierre has done to ensure Esmeralda's death, hurls him off the cathedral tower....

  • Word Count: 384
  • Approx Pages: 2
  • Grade Level: High School

7. The Middle Ages; The Golden Age, The Age of Faith, The Age o

This led to the development of universities from cathedrals. ... The building of the grand gothic cathedrals with the marvelous ceilings, stained glass windows and flying buttresses began in the middles ages. ... A meeting of the church council for the observance of the truce of god, 1083 maintains that many laws were created during medieval Europe and they were followed in hopes of reaching heaven by stating "this decree of peace shall be observed so that no one may commit murder, arson, robbery or assault, no one may injure another with a sword, club, or any kind of weapon." ...

  • Word Count: 943
  • Approx Pages: 4
  • Grade Level: High School

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