T.S. Eliot’s Murder in the Cathedral (1935) is a poetic drama that explores faith, power, and the spiritual journey toward martyrdom. The play is based on the true story of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, who was murdered in his own cathedral in 1170 by knights loyal to King Henry II. Eliot transforms this historical event into a meditation on destiny, temptation, and the nature of divine obedience.
The Spiritual Conflict of Thomas Becket
The play is set in December 1170, when Becket returns to England after years of exile. Having defied the king by upholding the authority of the Church over the monarchy, Becket is well aware that his return will likely lead to his death. Yet, instead of resisting his fate, he embraces it, seeing his martyrdom as part of a divine plan.
Becket’s internal struggle is central to the play. He does not fear death itself but wrestles with the meaning of his sacrifice. Will he die for God, or is his martyrdom tainted by pride and a desire for personal glory? This echoes the spiritual dilemma of many saints and mystics, who question whether their actions are truly selfless or driven by ego. The idea of holy suffering is deeply rooted in Christian theology, where martyrdom is often seen as the ultimate act of faith.
The Four Tempters and the Nature of Power
Becket is visited by four tempters, who attempt to persuade him away from his path, much like Christ’s temptation in the wilderness. Each tempter represents a different form of worldly power and security. The first offers physical safety, the second promises political influence, the third suggests a return to royal favor, and the fourth, most dangerously, tempts him with the allure of martyrdom itself—implying that dying for the Church will bring him eternal fame.
These temptations reflect a broader spiritual struggle seen in many traditions, where the pursuit of righteousness is often challenged by earthly desires. In Buddhist philosophy, for example, enlightenment is frequently obstructed by attachment to status, pleasure, and self-importance. In Greek mythology, figures such as Oedipus and Achilles grapple with the tension between fate and personal ambition. Becket, too, must recognize that true martyrdom is not about glorification but about surrendering entirely to the will of God.
Martyrdom as a Spiritual Transformation
Becket’s acceptance of his fate transforms him from a political figure into a spiritual one. His journey mirrors that of other historical and mythical figures who achieve transcendence through sacrifice—Joan of Arc, burned at the stake for her visions, or Socrates, who drank poison rather than compromise his philosophical ideals. In all these cases, death is not an end but a passage into a higher truth.
The play’s structure, particularly its use of choral commentary, draws from ancient Greek tragedy. The chorus, representing the common people of Canterbury, serves as both witness and participant in the unfolding events. Initially fearful of the chaos that Becket’s defiance might bring, they undergo their own transformation, ultimately recognizing his death as a moment of spiritual significance.
Relevance and Legacy of Murder in the Cathedral
Although Murder in the Cathedral is set in medieval England, its themes of power, conscience, and sacrifice remain deeply relevant. Eliot wrote the play in 1935, a time of rising totalitarianism in Europe, and Becket’s struggle against political oppression can be seen as a reflection of those resisting authoritarian rule. The play speaks to anyone who has ever had to choose between personal safety and standing up for their beliefs.
By the end of the play, Becket does not fight his killers, nor does he beg for mercy. He simply accepts, believing that his fate is part of a divine order beyond human understanding. His story reminds us that true faith requires surrender—not to power, but to the greater, unseen forces that shape existence. In this way, Murder in the Cathedral transcends its historical setting, offering a timeless meditation on the price of conviction and the eternal mystery of divine justice.
