What is the main idea of the book "Murder in the Cathedral" by T.S. El

Question:

What is the main idea of the book "Murder in the Cathedral" by T.S. Eliot?

I'm have to read three books over the summer for A.P. Language Arts and this is one of them...I read it and I couldn't understand it....what is the book about?

I want to reread it through a new perspective....but I have no idea what they're talking about....

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: The action takes place between December 2nd and December 29th 1170, chronicling the days leading up to the martyrdom of Thomas Becket following his absence of seven years in France, whose internal struggle is the main thrust of the play.

Having come into conflict with secular authority, Archbishop Becket is visited by a succession of tempters, three of whom parallel the Temptations of Christ.

The first tempter offers the prospect of physical safety.

Take a friend's advice. Leave well alone,
Or your goose may be cooked and eaten to the bone.

The second offers power, riches and fame in serving the King.

To set down the great, protect the poor,
Beneath the throne of God can man do more?

The third tempter suggests a coalition with the barons and a chance to resist the King.

For us, Church favour would be an advantage,
Blessing of Pope powerful protection
In the fight for liberty. You, my Lord,
In being with us, would fight a good stroke

Finally, a tempter who may be the devil himself, urges him to seek the glory of martyrdom.

You hold the keys of heaven and hell.
Power to bind and loose : bind, Thomas, bind,
King and bishop under your heel.
King, emperor, bishop, baron, king:

Beckett responds to all of the tempters and specifically addresses the immoral suggestions of the fourth tempter at the end of the first act:

Now is my way clear, now is the meaning plain:
Temptation shall not come in this kind again.
The last temptation is the greatest treason:
To do the right deed for the wrong reason.

Finally, he achieves peace of mind by electing not to look for sainthood, but to accept death as inevitable.