The Function and the Role of a Chorus of Women in Murder in the Cathedral

Abstract

Murder in the Cathedral appears to be a poetic play on the surface that recreates the story commemorating the archbishop’s martyrdom. However, internally, it demands sharp criticisms and reflections on the church, the church priests, and the leaders who have become secularized. For this reason, Murder in the Cathedral is a play that constantly makes the minds of the audiences and also the readers uncomfortable. In a dark and painful wasteland world, it is the mission of the church to illuminate the darkness and to give the meaning and taste of life, that is, to play the role of ‘light and salt,’ which is clearly documented in the Bible. However, not only at that time, but also through the Middle Ages and modern times to the present day, the church and its leaders led the church with too much secular interest, like Judas, who sold his teacher for money. Even now, they often lead their sheep/church people in the wrong way. In Murder in the Cathedral, Eliot shows that the most miserable and poor Canterbury women suffering from toil, sin, fear, and sorrow did not neglect to praise the Lord. So it shows that they were able to grasp the signs of God and had the wisdom to know the secrets of Heaven. Through the chorus, Eliot clearly explains the reason and relationship between God, humans, and all things, and brings them back to the humble attitude of early Christians. In harmony with the characters in the play, the chorus presented the core theme of Christianity leading to martyrdom and salvation. In addition, ‘keys of the kingdom’ is not just a secret appropriation of the priests, but the ordinary ability that has already been given to all Christians/priesthood/people.