Murder in the Cathedral

Part 2 of Murder in the Cathedral takes place on December 29, 1170.  The chorus enters the Archbishop’s Hall and bemoans the seemingly constant suffering in the world, recognizing few reasons for hope. The world is an “uncertain” (53) place, with humanity far removed from the peace of God. The chorus asserts that the world is being ruined by war and a fading religiosity.  The women are waiting for change, though the time in which change may happen is fading rapidly.

Four knights enter and speak to the first priest, claiming to have “urgent business” (55). The King of England has sent them to talk to the Archbishop of Canterbury. The first priest suggests that the knights sit down to dine with Becket, but the knights have no interest in such frivolities. They want to speak to Becket right away. Becket enters and welcomes them. He tells the priests that no one can truly predict when moments such as these will arrive . The knights dismiss the priests so that they can speak to Becket alone. They accuse him of being “in rebellion to the King and the law of the land” (56) and