43 pages • 1 hour read
T. S. EliotMurder in the Cathedral
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1935A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Murder in the Cathedral by T. S. Eliot dramatizes the conflict between St. Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, and King Henry II of England. Set in 1170, the play explores themes of power, faith, and resistance to authoritarianism. It depicts Becket's moral struggle, resisting various temptations, and his eventual martyrdom. The narrative reflects the political tensions of the 1930s with a chorus that mirrors Greek drama traditions.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Murder in the Cathedral by T. S. Eliot has been praised for its poetic language and deep philosophical themes. Critics laud Eliot's ability to blend historical drama with spiritual introspection. However, some find the play's abstract approach and dense theological content challenging. Overall, it's celebrated for its rich symbolism and thought-provoking narrative.
Who Should Read Murder in the Cathedral?
Readers who enjoy historical drama, poetic plays, and spiritual themes will find Murder in the Cathedral captivating. Comparable to Shakespeare's Macbeth and Sophocles' Antigone, it appeals to those interested in moral dilemmas, martyrdom, and power struggles, set against a rich backdrop of 12th-century England.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
NPBook Details
Play: Drama
Play: Historical
Poetry: Dramatic Poem
Religion / Spirituality
History: World
Life/Time: Mortality & Death
Society: Politics & Government
Values/Ideas: Fate