Murder in the Cathedral

Critique • Quotes

Murder in the Cathedral first coverFirst edition

About the book

Murder in the Cathedral
Publication details ▽ Publication details △

Author
T.S. Eliot, England

First performance
1935, Canterbury, England

Form
Play

Genre
Tragedy

Writing language
English

Length
Two acts plus interlude, approx. 16,000 words

Notable lines

Here let us stand, close by the cathedral.

— First line

The last temptation is the greatest treason:
To do the right deed for the wrong reason.

 

For every life and every act
Consequence of good and evil can be shown.
And as in time results of many deeds are blended
So good and evil in the end become confounded.

 

The church shall be open, even to our enemies
We are not here to triumph by fighting, by stratagem, or by resistance,
Not to fight with beasts as men. We have fought the beast
And have conquered. We have only to conquer
Now, by suffering. This is the easier victory 

 

Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Blessed Thomas, pray for us.

— Last lines

 

Critique • Quotes