Theory question 107
Other Set Texts: Non-African DramaLiterature 2, Section B. T. S. Eliot: Murder in the Cathedral
Discuss any two of the following literary devices used in the play:
(i) The Chorus; (ii) The Interlude; (iii) Imagery; (iv) Irony.
Show the model answer
(i) The Chorus: the poor women of Canterbury, as in Greek tragedy; express fear and foreboding, comment on events, show the effect of Becket's fate on ordinary people, create atmosphere; their final hymn of praise shows their redemption.
(ii) The Interlude: Becket's Christmas sermon in prose between the two parts; explains martyrdom (a martyr is made by God's design), shows Becket's acceptance of death, marks the passing of time and divides the play.
(iii) Imagery: seasons and nature (winter, spring, harvest) for time and renewal; animal images (jackal, jackass, jackdaw) for evil and violence; blood and darkness for the coming murder; the wheel for God's design.
(iv) Irony: the Fourth Tempter echoes Becket's own words; the Chorus fears the return they longed for; the Knights claim to act for the good of the state, but their act makes Becket a saint.
Discuss any two, with examples.