Podcast
Questions and Answers
What perspective does Becket ask the congregation to consider regarding sainthood?
What perspective does Becket ask the congregation to consider regarding sainthood?
What title did Henry II appoint Becket to before he became Archbishop?
What title did Henry II appoint Becket to before he became Archbishop?
What motivates Becket's refusal to go into hiding when the knights threaten him?
What motivates Becket's refusal to go into hiding when the knights threaten him?
How do the priests initially respond to the threat posed by the knights?
How do the priests initially respond to the threat posed by the knights?
Signup and view all the answers
What does Becket insist should be made public regarding his situation with Henry II?
What does Becket insist should be made public regarding his situation with Henry II?
Signup and view all the answers
What fate befalls Becket at the end of the encounter with the knights?
What fate befalls Becket at the end of the encounter with the knights?
Signup and view all the answers
What do the four knights argue after Becket's death?
What do the four knights argue after Becket's death?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the overarching emotion expressed by the Chorus after Becket's death?
What is the overarching emotion expressed by the Chorus after Becket's death?
Signup and view all the answers
What did Becket say about the doors of the cathedral when the knights arrived?
What did Becket say about the doors of the cathedral when the knights arrived?
Signup and view all the answers
What conventional belief about sainthood does Becket challenge in his sermon?
What conventional belief about sainthood does Becket challenge in his sermon?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Becket's Sermon
- Becket challenges conventional understanding of sainthood, highlighting the role of suffering in achieving holiness.
- He emphasizes that Jesus' disciples became saints through hardships, not just purity and peace.
- His sermon foreshadows his own martyrdom, hinting at his impending death.
Conflict with Henry II
- Becket served as Chancellor and Archbishop, but relinquished the former position.
- King Henry II accuses Becket of treason due to his abandonment of previous support for royal policies.
- The knights, acting as messengers, demand Becket's appearance before Henry II.
Becket's Resistance
- Becket insists on public proceedings, demanding clarity for the accusations against him.
- He refuses to hide despite the knights' threats of return, embracing his fate.
- He emphasizes the church's policy of openness, demanding the priests open the cathedral doors.
Becket's Martyrdom
- Becket's decision to face the knights leads to his death.
- The Chorus mourns his death, calling for purification.
- The priests acknowledge the death as a manifestation of fate, ultimately strengthening the church.
The Knights' Defense
- The knights justify their actions, viewing Becket as a traitor.
- They emphasize Becket's role in his own death due to his opposition to the king.
Chorus's Evolution
- The Chorus initially struggles to grasp the spiritual significance of Becket's martyrdom.
- They ultimately accept the death's divine origin, acknowledging the Church's unwavering faith.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore the significant events surrounding Thomas Becket, including his challenging sermon on sainthood and his turbulent relationship with King Henry II. Understand Becket's unwavering stand for ecclesiastical independence that ultimately led to his martyrdom. This quiz covers key themes of conflict, resistance, and the profound impact of suffering in achieving holiness.