What is the significance of Becket’s Christmas Sermon in Murder in the Cathedral? [British Drama]
The Christmas Sermon in T.S. Eliot's play "Murder in the Cathedral" is significant for several reasons:
Characterization: The Christmas Sermon is a key moment in the play where the character of Becket is able to assert his authority and leadership. Through the sermon, Becket delivers a powerful message of defiance to the King and the people, declaring his independence from political and religious interference.
Conflict: The sermon also serves to escalate the conflict between Becket and the King, as Becket's refusal to bow to the King's demands sets the stage for his eventual murder. The Christmas Sermon highlights the growing tension between Becket and the King, and the opposition between religious and political power.
Themes: The Christmas Sermon is also significant in terms of the play's central themes of power, leadership, and the relationship between religion and politics. Through the sermon, Becket speaks out against the political manipulation of religion, and asserts his independence as a religious leader. This serves to highlight the play's exploration of the tension between religious and political authority.
Historical context: The Christmas Sermon is also significant in terms of its historical context. The play is based on the real-life events surrounding the murder of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the sermon is a fictional representation of a real-life event. The Christmas Sermon serves to reinforce the historical accuracy of the play, and its connection to the events of Becket's life.
In conclusion, the Christmas Sermon in "Murder in the Cathedral" is significant because it serves to characterize Becket as a powerful and defiant leader, escalate the conflict between Becket and the King, and explore the play's central themes of power, leadership, and the relationship between religion and politics. The sermon is also significant in terms of its historical context, as it reinforces the play's connection to the real-life events surrounding the murder of Thomas Becket.