In Murder in the Cathedral, Thomas is consistently warned about the dangers of remaining in Canterbury. His enemies are plotting to kill him to win King Henry's favor. Before he arrives, the Chorus implores, "O Thomas return, Archbishop; return, return to France," as his presence threatens to bring "death into Canterbury." When he arrives, Thomas reassures both the Chorus and the three Priests, urging them not to fear his potential demise. He states, "the hungry hawk / Will only soar and hover" until an "End" that is "simple, sudden, God-given." His return symbolizes his fearlessness in the face of death and his trust that God will decide his fate. He tells the Priests, "All things prepare the event."

Thomas's disregard for worldly pleasures and power is highlighted in his encounters with the first three Tempters. The First Tempter offers "wit and wine and wisdom" in exchange for lenience towards King Henry. Thomas dismisses these temptations as mere "springtime fancy" from "seasons of the past." When the Second Tempter advises him to reclaim the Chancellorship and "guide the state again," Thomas contends that what was once "exaltation" would now mean falling into "punier power" since, as Archbishop, he holds "the keys / Of heaven and hell." He asserts his role is "to condemn kings, not serve among their servants."

Thomas's lack of interest in temporal authority is evident. The Third Tempter attempts to sway him by appealing to his political and religious beliefs, suggesting he could aid the barons in fighting for the "liberty" of England and Rome. Nonetheless, Thomas remains indifferent to human law, insisting that if he is to "break" the King's tyranny, it must be without any promise of power, declaring he must "break myself alone." His swift rejection of these Tempters underscores his commitment to divine law over human law. This dedication is further tested by the Fourth Tempter, who challenges Thomas's spiritual motives for martyrdom. After deep reflection, Thomas concludes he must not let pride lead him to seek martyrdom, finding comfort in the belief that if he is slain, his "good Angel, whom God appoints" will "hover over the swords' points."

Thomas's steadfast devotion to his spiritual path is clear in the Interlude and Part Two. While delivering a sermon to his congregation on Christmas Day, he stresses that martyrdom "never the design of man," as "the true martyr is he who has become the instrument of God" and "who no longer desires anything for himself." He openly accepts his potential fate by saying, "I do not think I shall ever preach to you again" and hints that "it is possible that in a short time you may have another martyr."

In Part Two, when faced with the threat from the four Knights, Thomas chooses not to flee, even though the Priests urge him to do so. He claims he is "not in danger: only nearer to death." Believing that "all things / Proceed to a joyful consummation," Thomas instructs a Priest, who has locked the Cathedral door, to open it. He then proclaims, "I give my life / To the Law of God above the Law of Man." As the Knights carry out his execution, Thomas does not ask for mercy or a reprieve; instead, he begins a prayer, entrusting "his cause and that of the Church" to "Almighty God." Despite being tempted by worldly pleasures and threatened with physical harm, Thomas remains faithful to what he believes is the "pattern" of God's will for his life.

The theme of obedience, intricately tied to the conflict between flesh and spirit, is a central element in the play, underscored...