Murder in the Cathedral (Cyclopedia of Literary Characters)
At a glance:
- Author: T. S. Eliot
- First Published: 1935
- Type of Work: Play
- Type of Plot: Historical
- Time of Work: 1170
- Setting: Canterbury, England
- Genres: Drama, Psychological drama, History play, Morality play
- Subjects: Suffering, Politics, England or English people, Assassination, Sermons, Clergy, Middle Ages, Knights or knighthood, Cathedrals, Twelfth century, Poetics
- Locales: Canterbury, England
Characters Discussed
Thomas Becket, the archbishop of Canterbury. Having just returned from France, where he has gained the support of the pope in his attempt to achieve both temporal and spiritual power in England, he finds a mixed reaction among the people. Although some support him, others would gladly see him dead. He is faced with a dilemma that leaves him no alternative but to sin against his faith. After his murder, he achieves martyrdom and sainthood, which his accusers say he was seeking all along.
Three priests of the cathedral, who fear the outcome of...
[The entire page is 529 words long]
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