Title: Murder in the Cathedral
First published: 1938
Description: A dramatization in free verse and with features derived from ancient and medieval theatre of the killing of Thomas a Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury under King Henry II. Eliot used the device of a chorus, an ancient Greek invention, to express certain concerns and observations, and the killers take their turn to justify their action. When I read this play as a grammar school student in England, I was struck by the way the violence echoed the rise of fascism in Europe when the play was being written. My English master was somewhat mocking in class regarding my views, but later as a college student I read Eliot's own words confirming my experience.
Subjects: Drama, Canterbury Cathedral, Christian martyrs, Christian saints, History, Murder victims, Drama texts: from c 1900 -, Plays, Reading Level-Grade 9, Reading Level-Grade 11, Reading Level-Grade 10, Reading Level-Grade 12, British and irish drama (dramatic works by one author), Aliens, Bilingualism, Educational tests and measurements, Fiction, mystery & detective, general, American literature, Medieval Civilization, Murder, Immigrants, Psychological tests, Nursing Homes, Organization & administration, Long-Term Care, Health Facility Planning
Places: Canterbury (England), Great Britain
People: Thomas à Becket, Saint (1118?-1170), Saint, Abp. of Canterbury, 1118?-1170 Thomas a Becket, Thomas  ̀Becket Saint, Abp. of Canterbury (1118?-1170)
Time periods: Henry II, 1154-1189