5-In what ways is the play 'Murder in the Cathedral' pessimistic? In what ways is it optimistic?
Answers
Answer:
The conflict between "action" and "suffering" is at the center of the play, and it is one of the many contradictions that Thomas realizes he must embrace if he is to transcend his earthly limitations in favor of godly serenity. It is first useful to understand both terms in the context of the play. "Action" refers to man's attempts to influence his own fate, to declare his own individuality. "Suffering" is best defined as "patient endurance," rather than "painful sensation," and in this way refers to man's impulse to retreat, to hide his individuality in complacency. Thomas notes that this dichotomy seems like an irreconcilable contradiction to humans, but ultimately discovers that he should embrace an active patience, in which he willingly allows himself to be submissive as God's instrument. He will not seek martyrdom, but will allow it to happen because God wills it. Ultimately, his example leads the Chorus to embrace the contradiction as beyond man and available only to those who submit themselves to God.
Answer:
Here Becket's thought is optimistic. It is pessimistic because Eliot depicts the life of suffering through the chorus' pessimistic speeches, life of Becket, life of Canterbury's women and the speeches of priests.