Theory question 105
Other Set Texts: Non-African DramaLiterature 2, Section B: Non-African Drama. T. S. Eliot: Murder in the Cathedral
Comment on the view that Thomas Becket is a martyr.
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A martyr dies willingly for his faith, submitting his will to God's.
Becket returns to Canterbury after seven years in exile knowing his life is in danger.
He rejects the Tempters: worldly pleasure, political power as Chancellor, an alliance with the barons.
The Fourth Tempter offers martyrdom for glory; Becket sees that dying for pride would be 'the right deed for the wrong reason' and purifies his motive.
His Christmas sermon explains that a true martyr is made by God's design, not by his own will.
He refuses to save himself, orders the doors to be opened, and dies in the cathedral for the authority of the Church.
The Chorus's suffering is redeemed by his death; the Church later makes him a saint.
Conclusion: he is a true martyr; the Knights' excuses do not change that.
Use events from the play as evidence.