... in the heart of Thomas Becket. Although the play"'"s setting and theme come from the historical murder of Thomas Becket, it is '"'not about "'"murder in the cathedral"'" but about the spiritual state of a martyr facing death, the spiritual education of the poor women who are witnesses to his sacrifice, and the willful opposition of secular to eternal power'"' (Smith 206). Eliot"'"s unhistorical treatment of the event allows the audience to relate to the characters ... to use his position for pleasure, power, and the good of the people. These are temptations to compromise his standards a...

• Word Count: 1484
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

... as medieval times, when humans sought, perhaps more ardently, their true distinction in a world of chaotic wars and treachery. Jean Anouilh's Becket, which transpires in 12th century England, a completely disparate setting from modern American society, attests to the universality of humankind's search for honor and self. Becket, once an unfulfilled man, conclusively achieves true self-realization once he is appointed Archbishop " ... yet loses everything he once cherished "including his life in the process. Since Becket cannot fulfill his void of self-purpose while serving the King, he ye...

• Word Count: 1544
• Approx Pages: 6