Murder in the Cathedral Book Summary

A Brief Overview 

• In Murder in the Cathedral T.S.Eliot explores the power of fate and surrender through the murder of Thomas Becket. 

Part 1: The Plot against Thomas Becket

The Speech of Tempters  

Murder in the Cathedral begins with a Chorus of Canterbury ladies, who are fearful of an impending disaster. In a lengthy address, they reflect on how pain defines their lives and their archbishop, Thomas Becket. 

Herald Brings a Good Yet Sad News – the Archbishop’s Return

Three priests enter the hall, lamenting Thomas' absence and discussing the implications of his eventual return. A Herald arrives with word that Thomas has returned to England and further admits his own anxiety that bloodshed will follow the archbishop's return.

The Priests Ponder

After the heralds depart, the priests ponder on Thomas's tenure as Chancellor of England, when he acted as Henry's secular ruler. The Chorus, as they listen to the priests, expresses their sadness in his return. They admit they would prefer "perish in quiet" than go through the tumult of new political and spiritual upheaval.  

Arrival of Archbishop 

The Second Priest criticises them and demands that they pretend happiness in order to welcome Thomas. During this exchange, Thomas comes and emphasises that everyone must be patient, because no one can genuinely know God's purposes or intentions.

Becket Encounters the Four Temptations

A series of tempters appear one by one, each aiming to undermine Thomas' integrity. The First Tempter reminds Thomas of his youth's libertine ways, tempting him to abandon his obligations in favour of a more carefree life. 

The Second Tempter advises that Thomas resume the title of Chancellor, since he could do more good for the poor.

The Third Tempter proposes a progressive type of government in which a monarch and barons collaborate as a "coalition." Thomas easily rejects all three tempters; after all, these are forms of temptation that he has previously declined in his life.

A Fourth Tempter appears and proposes martyrdom. If he permitted himself to die for the church, he would be remembered for all eternity. 

Thomas is rattled by this desire, which he had frequently considered in his quiet times. He recognises that dying for pride is "the wrong reason," thus he must resist that desire if his death is to be meaningful.

While he examines the dilemma, Thomas declares that his "way [is] clear": he won't seek martyrdom for renown, but will instead surrender to God's will. 

Part II: The Murder Takes Place in the Cathedral

The Interlude and Knights Arrival 

Part II's first scene takes place with the scared Chorus’ alarming address, followed by the entrance of four boorish knights. Despite the priests' attempts to distract them, they insist on meeting with Thomas on Henry's business from France.

When Thomas arrives, the knights promptly attack and chastise him for what they see as treachery to Henry. They are thwarted by the priest and leaves after threatening them.

The Murder of Thomas Becket 

As the knights arrive, the priests implore Thomas to go, but he refuses. Thomas is unconvinced by the priests' reasoning, accusing them of being overly concerned with cause-and-effect rather than trusting God's plan. 

Finally, the knights enter inebriated. They demand that Thomas lift all the excommunications he has imposed on English rulers. He refuses, and he is murdered. 

While Thomas is being slain, the Chorus delivers a lengthy, desperate speech bemoaning the life they will now have to live in the shadow of Thomas' martyrdom. 

Following the murder, the four knights address the audience directly and leaves.

The Epilogue – Final Statements 

After the knights leave, the priests lament Thomas' death and express concern about what the world will become. The Chorus delivers the concluding address, demonstrating that they have accepted their role as Christians. They agree that living up to Thomas' sacrifice is difficult, but they will be spiritually wealthier.