Murder in the Cathedral

The scene switches to Canterbury Cathedral. Becket is now with the priests, who have barred the door. Becket orders them to “throw open the doors” (70), asserting that the church should always be open, even to enemies. The priests argue that the knights are not normal enemies; they are beasts who do not respect the sanctuary of the church. Becket repeats his order to open the doors, chiding the priests for focusing on worldly matters. He has made the decision to commit to his imminent martyrdom and explains that this decision takes place outside time and beyond the earthly world. He is convinced that the only legitimate way for him to defeat his enemies is to accept his suffering in the name of God.

The priests open the doors to the cathedral. The knights enter, showing the effects of the alcohol. The priests again try to hide Becket, and the knights demand that he reveal himself. Thomas Becket steps forward “without fear” (72), announcing that he is ready to sacrifice himself in the name of Jesus Christ. The knights demand that he absolve anyone excommunicated by Becket, resign his position, return all money he has taken to the king, and submit himself to the crown once again.