Theory question 106
Other Set Texts: Non-African DramaLiterature 2, Section B. T. S. Eliot: Murder in the Cathedral
Discuss the reasons given by the Knights for killing the Archbishop and their significance in the play.
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After the murder the Knights step forward and speak directly to the audience in modern prose.
They claim to be disinterested: they gain nothing personally and acted only from duty.
They argue that Becket, once the King's loyal Chancellor, became an enemy of the state when he became Archbishop; killing him restored the proper rule of the state over the Church.
They argue that Becket provoked his own death and was virtually a suicide, 'of unsound mind'.
Significance: the sudden switch to prose and modern political language shocks the audience and makes them judge.
It exposes how people justify violence with clever arguments, and makes the audience share the guilt.
Their weak excuses actually confirm that Becket died a martyr.
Give each reason, then show what it adds to the play.