Murder in the Cathedral

Roles

• Thomas Becket - Senior (>50), Male

About this piece

Thomas Becket considers his options and reflects on his life

Summary

The play takes place between the 2nd and 29th of December 1170 in Canterbury and focuses on Thomas Becket's last days before his execution by four knights sent by King Henry II. Thomas Becket was the Archbishop of Canterbury and had been sent into exile to France after a falling out with the king. After seven years he goes back to England, knowing of his upcoming martyrdom. The play focuses on his internal struggle before his inevitable execution. Right after he comes back from France, Thomas Becket is visited by 4 "tempters", that are symbolic characters that parallel Christ's temptations. They try to lure him away from his devotion for the Church. The first tempter offers physical safety, the second to reconcile with the king, power and riches, the third to seek help from the barons and kill the king, the fourth to seek the glory of martyrdom. In this monologue Thomas Becket reflects on the temptations and the choices that he has made in his life.

Tone

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