Murder in the Cathedral by T. S. Eliot
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Book Reviews of Murder in the Cathedral
Book Review: Best Read Aloud
Summary: 4 Stars
"Many persons have the wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose." ~Helen Keller
I first heard of Archbishop Thomas Becket of Canterbury last month while reading The Pillars of the Earth. I decided to do a little research on him and noticed that there was a book about him on my classic to-read list. Perfect, I thought now I can learn more about the martydom of Becket and mark off one of the classic plays on my list at the same time.
The book is a play and a poem. At first, I found it difficult to get into. I found it easier to focus by reading aloud and imagining that I was watching it acted out in a play. It was pretty easy to read and understand once you got into it, although I would hate to try reading this without any prior knowledge of Becket's life. The only sections that I found annoying were the parts voiced by the chorus. They seemed to be repetitious and rambled on; however, I could still appreciate the poetic prose.
Here are a couple parts that I enjoyed:
- I really liked when the priests tried to convince Becket to run away and hide and he responded, "Peace! Be quiet! Remember where you are, and what is happening; no life here is sought for but mine, and I am not in danger: only near to death."
- I also liked the end when the knights turn to the crowd representing England after murdering Becket. They each give a reason for murdering him. I appreciate how the book is about the martyrdom of Becket, yet Eliot wanted people to understand both sides of the story. I didn't previously feel like I understood completely why King Henry II wanted him dead but these supplications by the knights helped make sense of things.
This book is not for everyone (not everyone enjoys poetry); however, it is short and informative and is worth reading. T.S. Eliot wrote the entire play in verse and it needs to be read aloud to be fully appreciated. I am glad the book was short because I am not sure how much poetry I can handle at once (and I don't know if I want to find out); however, I would like to see the play performed some day.
Book Review: Murder in the Cathedral
Summary: 4 Stars
The play is about Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury and is not worth reading if you like a literal story, where what you read is what you get and reading between the lines is unnecessary. That is what I liked about this play. It allows you to interpret the dialogue so that you develop your own understanding behind the plot.Thomas Becket lived in the 12th century and rose to power because of his friend King Henry. Becket at first had been a Chancellor in Henrys court and had then been given the title of Archbishop. Henry wanted him to have both the titles whereas Becket refused because he felt he could not perform both jobs to the same expectations. This was because Henry had radical views about the separation of the church and the state and Becket did not agree with these views because he did not believe he could serve two very opposite masters. The result was an argument between the two.
Literally, Henry and Becket are in a skirmish during the play, but the actual conflict is between Becket and his conscience. The play goes deep into Christianity and the Catholic faith, which I found to be enjoyable. Just as Christ had tempters, so does Becket. They offer him power and material wealth, when all they want in return is for Becket to alter and transform his principles.
I liked how you saw main characters in this play, such as the Chorus, progress from fearing the unknown to joyfully accepting God. While the play has Christian connotations within, it stresses primarily on universal human values such as humility and devotion.
The entire play is written in verse and Eliot managed to capture such complex themes and dialogue in such concise yet poetic words.
Book Review: The Murder of Thomas Becket at Canterbury
Summary: 4 Stars
"Murder in the Cathedral" is T.S. Eliot's dramatization of the murder of Thomas Becket. Because the tale is told in verse, historical accuracy is sacrificed. While some may appreciate this element, I would prefered the story to be closer to reality. Though the chorus may be a fabulous part of the dramatization in person, the flow of the story seems to ebb in a negative stream in these extended passages while reading.
The story of Thomas Becket is quite inspiring, yet I feel I would be misleading reviewers by saying it is here. The basic plot is accurate. King Henry II believes that Thomas Becket's meddlesome ways are undermining the king's rule. The poetic lines show a writer in his element. Though I feel the story was compromised in the process.
Book Review: The right thing for the right reason..?
Summary: 4 Stars
Aside from the obvious (and expected) Christian bias of the play, it's hard to find much wrong with it. Although very difficult at times to understand beyond a literal level, this book is loaded with a certain fascinating symbolism as it tries to investigate life, temptation, right and wrong. Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, knows he is to become a martyr -- but his question is, is he doing the right thing for the right reason? Is he doing it because it will serve his God, or because he wants the glory and immortality that comes with such an action? One critic said, "This play comes closer to perfection than anything that Eliot has written." I can't help but agree.Book Review: The best literary work of T.S. Eliot- EVER
Summary: 4 Stars
Despite the strange situations which appear in some other works written by T. S. Eliot- Such as Old Posum's Book of Practical Cats, this play is quite factual. Based on the murder of Thomas Beckett, the archbishop of Canterbury Cathedral, this text breathes life to the events which occurred. The book does not have many stage instructions, descriptions of the location, or costume description. Those who read this book must imagine the entire setting, as well the events which unfold. I would recommend that you know a little about the Canterbury murders before reading this book. There are many resources online about the murders, so this can easily be acomplished.