Honor is perhaps the one distinction that humans universally strive to achieve. Unlike other ideals such as fame or stardom, honor and finding one's identity are principles that lend themselves into the discovery of one's distinction in the world, one's unique purpose in life. Although people may not realize they are consciously pursuing honor, upon examining contemporary society, it is evident the ultimate aspiration of humans is to make their mark on the world. For example, teachers aspire to impart valuable information in order to educate a new generation, while physicians receive no greater gratification than saving a life. The search for honor even existed as far back 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 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.
Becket said, "Honor is a private matter. ... "Where honor should be, there is only a void," said Becket to Gwendolyn. ... Becket was in a struggle with this dilemma for most of the movie. ... Where is Becket's honor?" ... Honor in Becket was, without a doubt, the motif of the movie. ...
In Jean Anouilh's play, Becket, Thomas Becket is a Saxon who is the advisor to the king and the Chancellor of England. ... Chancellor of England is what people use to describe Becket, so really Becket has no personal honor as a man. ... Becket does not take the job of Archbishop lightly. ... Although Becket's body is rotting away in his tomb, Becket's soul is actually up in heaven according to his belief. ... If while with the king, Becket wonders "where is Becket's honor" (37), then on the opposite side, with God, Becket must have his honor. ...
Early British Hitory Thomas á Becket and the Catholic Context The tragedy of Thomas á Becket and his relationship with Henry II was symptomatic throughout the Europe of the day. ... Early Life through Chancellorship Thomas á Becket was born circa 1118 (some sources claim 1120) in London to a wealthy merchant, Gilbert Becket and Roesa or Matilda of Caen, of Norman roots. ... Becket became proficient in hunting and hawking, two sports in which he would later indulge consistently with Henry II, under the wing of Richer of Laigle who fac...
Francis Fergusson's tragic theory can be applied to the movie Becket by Jean Anouilh. ... In the beginning of the movie, Becket's purpose is to find honor. ... Henry and Becket cannot coexist in one world and one must die. Becket chose himself. Through death and becoming a saint only does Becket finds his honor. ...
Even though the man receives respect from people around him andis inaplace of exbit these characteristics are King Henry II in Becket by Jean Anouilh and Atticus in To Kill a Mocking Bird by Lee Harper. In Becket, King Henry II is the most powerful man in England but he feels lonely. ... Both Becket and To Kill a Mocking Bird, demonstrate what Ibsen said in his quote. ...
The statement foreshadows Becket's death because the way that Becket interprets honor is by living. ... Becket answering to the King when the King asks him how he combines, honor and collaboration foreshadows Becket's death. Becket answers ."... The king never thought that Becket would turn on him. ... Becket lives by God, and honor God. ...
Staring Richard Burton as the character of Becket and Peter O'Toole as Henry II the film is a bout the lifelong friendship of Henry II and the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket. Where at he climax the friendship is tested and ends in tragedy as Becket grows more confident and thoughtful in his position. ... The character of Becket on the other hand, displays leadership on some what other trends. To begin with, quite clearly Becket in his late position was a democratic leader. ... Becket on the other hand as Bishop, can be classified as under a new concept, the concept of "t...
In the movie Becket, it is obvious that there is a conflict between church and state. ... The conflict between church and state in Becket is blatantly obvious. ... Becket wanted the church and its people to be only subject to God's representative on earth, the Pope. ...
