Sacrifice in Becket Essay

A True Sacrifice

In Becket, Beckets most noticeable character trait is his reliability in doing his job. The quote, There is one thing I do love, my prince, and that Im sure of. Doing what I have to do and doing it well (Becket pg.44), demonstrates the personality of his character. Becket used to live a life lavish lifestyle full of hunting and women; however, once Becket is appointed Archbishop his mindset changes. On the other hand, the Monk in the Prologue to Canterbury tales is entirely the opposite. The Monk is a greedy and un-loyal character. Therefore, the Monk and Becket share both similarities and differences. Both characters enjoy hunting and living comfortable lifestyles; however, the biggest difference is their devotion to the church as well as their attitudes toward those whom the church ministers.

At the beginning of Anouilhs play, Becket is a frivolous man who adores hunting and living a luxurious lifestyle. (Becket pg. 5-6) Becket lives in an extravagant palace filled with couches, stools, pillars, instruments, and gold dishes. Becket invites King Henry and his associates to his palace to enjoy a fun-filled night of drinking and partying. Becket also loves horses, he says the one thing he misses the most were the horses. Like Becket, The monk also enjoys living a comfortable lifestyle. Hes big, loud, and dresses very fashionable. He enjoys hunting like Becket. God says, hunters are not holy men, (Canterbury Tales pg. 7) but the Monk does not pay attention. It is obvious that the Monk and Becket are similar because they both like to hunt which was mostly done by the wealthy.

Becket and the Monk are different to their devotion to the church. Beckets life and loyalties change considerably when he is appointed as the Archbishop of Canterbury. As the Archbishop, Beckets primary duty is to act in the best interests of the church. We see Beckets honor being demonstrated when he says, You passed the burden on to me and know I have to carry it. I have rolled up my sleeves and taken it on my back and nothing ill ever make me sit down again. (Becket pg. 79) Becket lives a life of sacrifice, while the Monk does not. The Monk understands his job to the church, but refuses to follow them. The Monk feels that he does not need to follow the vows he has made to the church, and this demonstrates how he is not really devoted to the church. He refuses to lie in the monasteries because he believes he is too respectable for them. In conclusion, Becket dedicates his entire life to work and prayer, while the Monk merely is concerned in living a fantastic lifestyle.

Becket and the Monk also have differences in their approach toward these whom the church ministers. As Archbishop, Becket cares for his people, Folliot says, I must admit that his Grace the Archbishop has so far done nothing which has not been in the interest of the Mother Church.(73) Becket turns against England to protect his people and refuse to follow Henrys validation by the courts. Becket understands that there is no difference between the rich and the poor in the eyes of the lord, and wishes to sacrifice his entire life to that of his people. On the other hand, the Monk does not worry for his people. He would much rather be hunting or enjoying life in other ways than to preach the word of God. In conclusion, the Monk is hypocritical, because Monks are believed to dedicate their lives to the lord, and this Monk does not care about his people, and has no concern for poverty and preaching gods word. The Monk does all this while Becket sacrifices his life for God.

In Conclusion, Becket and the Monk share many similarities and differences. They both loved to grand lifestyles, but Becket still cared for God and his people while the Monk did not. Beckets sacrifice and ultimate commitment to God and his people will forever be remembered.