Murder in the Cathedral

Murder in the Cathedral is set in The Archbishop’s Hall of Canterbury Cathedral in Canterbury, England. The play begins in December, 1170. A chorus of women takes to the stage to announce that seven years have passed since the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket, departed in exile. Although his kindness and spirituality were appreciated by his congregation, the people understand his absence. The chorus describes the years of “various oppression” (12) in Becket’s absence, though they can accept their sadness if the rich and powerful leave them alone. These rich and powerful men include the barons, the merchants and the King of England (Henry II).  The chorus feels powerless under the persecution of such powerful figures. Now, they hope that God will take hold of their destinies as they lack the power to change the world themselves; they are barred from all political and commercial power structures. People like them, “the poor” (13), must fend for themselves, relying on their intelligence and their faith for protection. The opening monologue of the chorus ends.

Three priests enter. They talk about the longstanding feud between Thomas Becket and

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