T.S. Eliot’s Murder in the Cathedral Historical Background

Thomas Becket Born circa 1118 Studied canon law Entered the service of Theobald, Archbishop of Canterbury Introduced to King Henry II in 1154 Made Lord Chancellor in 1155 Made Archbishop in 1162 after the death of Theobald Thomas Becket

Henry’s Hubris •Henry wanted to subsume the power of the Church under that of the State •He believed that by promoting Thomas to the office of Archbishop, he would have a sympathetic ally to his cause •He was wrong

The Quarrel •Henry drafted the Constitutions of Clarendon (1164) •Intended to weaken the English clergy’s ties to Rome •Would give the King legal jurisdiction over ecclesiastical courts •Thomas refused to sign

Summoned to appear in Northampton on charges of malfeasance Fled to France and remained under the protection of Louis VII Returned in 1170, after a “reconciliation” with Henry But refused to rescind the excommunications of York, London, and Salisbury—bishops who had overstepped their offices at Henry’s behest Thomas Flees

Rash Royal Words •Legend has it that Henry was heard to say, in a rage: “Who will rid me of this meddlesome priest?” •Four of his noblest knights took the call…

The Murder •December 29th, 1170 •Just 4 days after preaching on Christmas morning •Thomas was confronted while administering the sacrament •When he refused to yield, he was viciously slaughtered in front of the altar

•Becket’s tomb was soon canonized Becket, the Martyr •Becket’s tomb was soon canonized •Henry himself did public penance 4 years later, barefoot and in sackcloth •The yearly pilgrimage to Becket’s shrine became the backdrop for Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales

Notes on the Play •Its Form •Dramatic Influences: -Greek Tragedy -Medieval Morality Plays •Repeated Themes/Motifs •Tempters and Knights •Our “Moral Evaluation”

End Prepared by Mr. Eric Twisselmann for AP Literature & Composition La Serna High School Summer 2010 Music (“Miserere”) by Gregorio Allegri Performed by the Tallis Scholars