Essay Honor versus Friendship in Becket - 897 Words

Honor versus Friendship in Becket Anouilhs Becket offers the story of the relationship between Thomas Becket and Henry II, King of England. The relationship begins with the two being fun-loving and teasing friends, develops into a rough-and-tumble relationship, and then ends in cold hatred. Because he will not give in to his demands Henry has Becket executed in Canterbury Cathedral. Becket had been Henrys friend and loyal supporter until he became Archbishop of Canterbury. At that point, he was determined his first loyalty was due God and not Henry even though he had supported Henry against the church previously. Becket fled to France in exile before returning to Canterbury where Henry had four barons murder him. It was†¦show more content†¦Becket: If I become Archbishop, I can no longer be your friend. Officer: The church is now empty, my Lord. The Bishop and his clergy await your Highness good pleasure. King: Did you hear that, Becket? Pull yourself together. You have an odd way of taking good news. Wake up! They say we can go in now. Becket: This is madness, my Lord. Dont do it. I could not serve both God and you. (Anouilh 71) The problem with remaining friends once Becket is made Archbishop is that he takes his job too seriously. He knows that politics and the church are corrupt, and he even admits that he used to laugh at the foibles of both. However, once he becomes Archbishop he intends to pay homage to a higher force than either the earthly king or the earthly church. While this may seem noble to some, he is actually very naà ¯ve about the way politics works and the church was a participating member of politics at this point in history. Instead, he tries to live up to some pure ideal of the church which is why he refuses to allow Henry to go against what he believes to be moral action. Like Antigone, he may take the moral high road but he will lose his life just like her because he refuses to play the political game of his era. He even admits as much He is the