Murder in the Cathedral

Murder in the Cathedral is a play by T.S. Eliot, first performed in 1935 at Canterbury Cathedral in the presence of Cosmo Gordon Lang, the Archbishop of Canterbury. The play is a dramatization of the assassination of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, by King Henry II of England's knights in 1170. It explores the conflict between the Church of England and the Monarchy of the United Kingdom, as well as the struggle for power and faith. The play features a unique blend of medieval and modernist elements, reflecting T.S. Eliot's interests in Dante Alighieri, William Shakespeare, and Fyodor Dostoevsky.

Background

The play is set in Canterbury Cathedral during the reign of King Henry II of England, who had a tumultuous relationship with Thomas Becket, his former Chancellor of England. The conflict between the two men ultimately led to the assassination of Thomas Becket by Reginald FitzUrse, William de Tracy, Hugh de Morville, and Richard le Breton. The play draws on historical accounts, including those by Edward Grim and William of Newburgh, to recreate the events surrounding the assassination. T.S. Eliot was inspired by the Canterbury Cathedral's history and its connection to Thomas Becket, as well as the works of Geoffrey Chaucer and Christopher Marlowe.

Plot

The play follows the story of Thomas Becket's return to Canterbury Cathedral after a six-year exile in France, where he had been living under the protection of King Louis VII of France. Upon his return, Thomas Becket is met with resistance from King Henry II of England's knights, who are determined to kill him. The play explores the inner struggles of Thomas Becket as he grapples with his faith and his duty to the Church of England. The characters of King Henry II of England, Pope Alexander III, and Frederick I, Holy Roman Emperor are also featured, highlighting the complex web of alliances and rivalries that led to the assassination. The play's plot is influenced by the works of William Shakespeare, particularly Julius Caesar and Hamlet, as well as the Bible and the writings of St. Augustine.

Historical Context

The play is set against the backdrop of the Middle Ages, a time of great turmoil and upheaval in Europe. The Crusades had recently ended, and the Catholic Church was struggling to maintain its power and influence. The Monarchy of the United Kingdom was also in a state of flux, with King Henry II of England seeking to consolidate his power and assert his authority over the Church of England. The play draws on historical events, including the Becket controversy and the Council of Northampton, to recreate the tensions and conflicts of the time. The works of Giovanni Boccaccio, Petrarch, and John Wycliffe also influenced the play's historical context, as well as the Black Death and the Hundred Years' War.

Composition and Performance

The play was written by T.S. Eliot in 1934-1935, during a time of great personal and artistic transformation. T.S. Eliot was influenced by his conversion to Anglicanism and his interest in medieval literature and history. The play was first performed at Canterbury Cathedral in 1935, with a cast that included Robert Speaight as Thomas Becket and Martin Browne as the director. The play has since been performed numerous times, including productions at the Old Vic and the National Theatre, with notable performances by Laurence Olivier and John Gielgud. The play's composition and performance have been influenced by the works of Richard Wagner, Igor Stravinsky, and Benjamin Britten, as well as the Ballets Russes and the Theatre of the Absurd.

Themes and Symbolism

The play explores several themes, including the struggle for power and faith, the nature of martyrdom, and the conflict between the individual and the state. The character of Thomas Becket is a symbol of resistance and defiance, while the Canterbury Cathedral represents the enduring power of the Catholic Church. The play also features a range of symbolic characters, including the Chorus, the Temple Priest, and the Knights, who represent different aspects of human nature and society. The play's themes and symbolism are influenced by the works of Dante Alighieri, William Blake, and Fyodor Dostoevsky, as well as the Kabbalah and the Gnostic Gospels.

Reception and Legacy

The play was a critical and commercial success, with many praising its innovative use of language and its exploration of complex themes. The play has been performed numerous times since its premiere, and it remains one of T.S. Eliot's most popular and enduring works. The play's influence can be seen in the works of other writers, including Samuel Beckett, Harold Pinter, and Tom Stoppard, as well as in the Theatre of the Absurd and the Postmodern literature. The play has also been adapted into numerous forms, including film and opera, with notable adaptations by George Hoellering and Ildebrando Pizzetti. The play's legacy continues to be felt, with its themes and symbolism remaining relevant in contemporary society, influencing the works of Martin Scorsese, Terry Gilliam, and David Lynch. Category:Plays by T.S. Eliot