Role of Fate or Destiny in Becket's Life in "Murder in the Cathedral"

 Introduction

The role of fate or destiny in Thomas Becket's life is a central thematic element in T.S. Eliot's "Murder in the Cathedral." The play explores the interplay between preordained destiny and personal agency, challenging the boundaries between human will and divine plan. Becket's life is intricately woven with the threads of fate, yet his choices and agency shape the events that unfold, ultimately leading to his martyrdom.

Fate as a Framework: 

The concept of fate is established early in the play, as Becket's return to Canterbury is marked by a sense of inevitability. The Chorus foreshadows his death, framing his return as a journey towards a preordained end. The recurring theme of fate emphasizes the idea that Becket's life follows a cosmic design, echoing the fatalistic elements of Greek tragedy.

Becket's Struggle with Destiny: 

Becket's internal struggle with destiny forms a significant aspect of the play. His awareness of his impending martyrdom leads him to question whether he is a mere instrument of divine will or if he has the agency to make independent choices. This struggle is reflected in his conversations with the Four Tempters. Each tempter presents a different path—one of personal safety, political compromise, material wealth, and popularity. Becket's interactions with the tempters exemplify his internal conflict, as he grapples with his desires versus his commitment to a higher calling.

Agency and Spiritual Conviction: 

Becket's agency lies not in altering his fate, but in the decisions, he makes within the framework of that destiny. His agency is best expressed through his unwavering spiritual conviction. He believes that martyrdom is a vocation, a path that he willingly chooses for the sake of God and the Church. Becket's agency is in his commitment to his principles, his defiance of temporal authority, and his willingness to bear the consequences.

(Conflict between Thomas Becket and the knights)

Divine Plan and Personal Choice: 

The play doesn't definitively resolve the tension between fate and agency. Instead, it suggests that fate and personal choice are not mutually exclusive. Becket's martyrdom is the culmination of both divine plan and individual determination. Accepting his fate does not negate his active choice to embrace it. His agency lies in his refusal to compromise his faith, even when faced with the opportunity to avoid martyrdom. This suggests a symbiotic relationship between the cosmic design and Becket's wilful adherence to it.

The Paradox of Fate and Free Will: 

The play's exploration of fate and agency underscores the paradox between divine predestination and human free will. Becket's agency doesn't negate his fate; instead, it transforms it into a purposeful journey. His choices within the constraints of destiny highlight the complexity of human existence and the interplay of the metaphysical and the human.

The Triumph of Spiritual Agency: 

Becket's martyrdom exemplifies the triumph of spiritual agency over worldly concerns. His agency is not rooted in altering his fate, but in his steadfastness in the face of it. The climactic assassination scene portrays Becket's refusal to recant or compromise, highlighting his spiritual agency in the face of mortal danger.

Conclusion: 

In "Murder in the Cathedral," the role of fate or destiny in Becket's life is a complex interplay of cosmic design and individual agency. Fate serves as a framework within which Becket navigates his choices, leading to his martyrdom. Becket's agency lies in his commitment to his spiritual principles, even as he grapples with the tension between his awareness of destiny and his will to choose. The play ultimately suggests that fate and agency are not opposing forces but intertwined components of a greater purpose, emphasizing the enduring power of spiritual conviction within the boundaries of destiny.