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Who was Thomas Becket and why was he important?
Becket was one of the most powerful figures of his time, serving as royal Chancellor and later as Archbishop of Canterbury. Initially a close friend of King Henry II, the two men became engaged in a bitter dispute that culminated in Becket’s shocking murder by knights with close ties to the king.
Who was responsible for the death of Thomas Becket?
King Henry ll of England was ultimately to blame for the death of St. Thomas Becket, but four of the king’s knights were directly responsible for…
Why do we learn about Thomas Becket?
His career was marked by a long quarrel with Henry that ended with Becket’s murder in Canterbury Cathedral. He is venerated as a saint and martyr in the Roman Catholic Church and in the Anglican Communion. He is a patron saint of secular clergy (priests and deacons who serve pastorally in parishes).
Is Thomas Becket a Catholic saint?
His career was marked by a long quarrel with Henry that ended with Becket’s murder in Canterbury Cathedral. He is venerated as a saint and martyr in the Roman Catholic Church and in the Anglican Communion.
Why the A in Thomas a Becket?
Thomas Becket was the son of Norman settlers who lived in the city of London. His father was a merchant who traveled among the circles of French-speaking Norman immigrants. The name “Becket” is likely a nickname, possibly meaning beak or nose, which was given to his father.
What happened to Henry II and Thomas Becket?
The Becket affair occurred after a heated argument between Becket and the King, resulting in Becket being beheaded at Canterbury Cathedral in 1170. Due to Becket being idolised, he was canonised immediately after his murder and despite Henry II doing penance to Becket’s tomb in 1174, his reputation was tarnished.
What did Henry do as penance for killing Becket?
Henry, full of remorse, did penance imposed by the pope. He walked to Canterbury Cathedral in sackcloth and ashes and allowed himself to be flogged by the monks there. He also gave way for the moment on the question of court authority. Becket’s martyrdom did Canterbury Cathedral no harm at all.
Is Thomas Becket a tragic hero?
His pride and egoism are definite flaws of human character. Yet, the similarity ends here, for the catastrophe in the play does not result from the flaw. Thomas is able to realise his fault and overcome it. Thomas appears to be too good to be an Aristotelian tragic hero.