Since Becket cannot fulfill his void of

self-purpose while serving the King, he years for honor that has eluded him. Although the King appoints him as Chancellor, a respectable position that brings him power, wealth, and prestige, Becket still feels a “gap in [him] where honor ought to be” (Anouilh 34). Perhaps Becket feels he lives his life in vain because his privileges are subject to the mercurial King’s demands; whenever he objects to the King’s latest whim, he is coldly told, “That’s an order, little Saxon” (Anouilh 29). The King never lets him forget he is a “Saracen girl’s son” (Anouilh 29), and even forces Becket to yield his one true love, Gwendolen. Although the King never directly oppresses Becket due to his Saxon heritage, it is clear that the matter is always on the king’s mind, as it also spurs resentment among the King’s barons. Nonetheless, Becket remains completely loyal to the king; however, since he is obliged to serve the man who essentially oppresses his people, he hides behind a façade. Becket’s inability to reveal his true character not only plagues his own worries, but also is realized by others. The wise Archbishop notices Becket’s nature is elusive and detached, “as if seeking his real self” (Anouilh 15). By asking Becket for his love, even the usually naïve King tries to penetrate through Becket’s apathetic barrier. Since Becket’s life lacks any real ordering principle, he feels he is “obliged to improvise his honor” (Anouilh 36). It is interesting to note that perhaps Becket speaks in the third person, as opposed to the assured “I” because he lacks self-realization and any meaningful substance in his life. Becket feels he achieves the bare minimum in terms of honor while serving the King. Becket’s internal struggle, so apparent to others, intensifies—this man who “adores honor” (Anouilh 5)—is tormented by the prospect that he will never discover his genuine self, wondering, “Where is Becket’s honor?” (Anouilh 36). Becket cannot live his life anymore as an entity void of essence; his quest for self-recognition will soon take a dramatic turn.

It has often been said that the greatest sin is to prefer mere existence to honor. Becket’s saga illustrates that nothing could closer to the truth. Becket simply existed as the King

Some topics in this essay:
Becket King’s, King Archbishop, Nonetheless Becket, Anouilh’s Becket, King Becket’s, , God Becket’s, Furthermore Becket’s, God” Anouilh, Saxon” Anouilh, becket realizes, becket feels, honor” anouilh, honor” anouilh 36, anouilh 79, duty god, true words, worth doing, becket remains, honor sacrifice, devoid honor,