T. S. Eliot's "Murder in the Cathedral"



"Murder in the Cathedral" is a verse drama by T.S. Eliot that presents the historical event of the assassination of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, in 1170. The play is divided into two parts: the first portrays Becket's return to Canterbury after seven years in exile, and the second centers around the plot to murder him.
In the play, Becket faces a moral and spiritual dilemma as he grapples with the conflicting responsibilities of loyalty to the king and his duty to the church. He foresees his impending martyrdom and must decide whether to stand firm in his convictions or compromise to maintain peace.
Throughout the play, there are themes of martyrdom, the struggle between temporal and spiritual power, and the nature of free will and fate. "Murder in the Cathedral" is a powerful exploration of faith, sacrifice, and the clash between secular authority and divine calling.


1.  Cleanth Brooks: "Eliot's 'Murder in the Cathedral' is a modern masterpiece, skillfully blending poetic language and religious themes to create a gripping drama that explores the clash between spiritual duty and temporal power."

2. Edmund Wilson: "Eliot's verse play 'Murder in the Cathedral' is a compelling exploration of martyrdom and the complexities of faith, demonstrating the author's ability to infuse a historical event with universal significance."

3. Harold Bloom: "In 'Murder in the Cathedral,' T.S. Eliot's poetic genius shines, skillfully employing verse and symbolism to present the assassination of Thomas Becket as a profound meditation on the nature of sacrifice and divine intervention."

4. W. H. Auden: "Eliot's 'Murder in the Cathedral' is a triumph of religious drama, combining historical accuracy with spiritual insight, and serving as a potent reminder of the enduring power of the poetic form to convey profound truths."