Books like Murder in the Cathedral by T. S. Eliot
Murder in the Cathedral is a free‑verse play that retells the historic assassination of Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, at the hands of six followers under King Henry II. Eliot blends elements of ancient Greek theatre—most notably a chorus that comments on the action—with medieval stage conventions, creating a dramatic tableau that examines the clash between ecclesiastical authority and royal ambition. The play’s stark depiction of violence invites contemplation of themes such as political betrayal, the role of martyrdom, and the moral limits of rebellion.
First publish date: 1938
Genre: Drama & Plays/Historical Drama
Authors: T. S. Eliot
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