T.S. Eliot's verse play retells the death of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, who was murdered in his cathedral in 1170 after quarrelling with King Henry II. The play opens with a chorus of the women of Canterbury, then follows Becket's return from exile, the visits of four tempters who offer him power and safety, and his decision to accept martyrdom. The four knights who kill him then address the audience to justify their act.
Eliot was commissioned to write it for the Canterbury Festival, and it deals with ideas of faith, pride, and the right reason to die for a cause. It suits readers of drama and poetry and those interested in religion and history.
Deep and thought-provoking; a demanding read.
Best for readers like The Deep Diver. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 1936
- Language
- EN
