Murder in the Cathedral is a play that fervently defends the Christian doctrine of martyrdom and sainthood. It's a play about a believer's spiritual battle. By elevating the Archbishop's persona above that of the king and using it to support his theological beliefs, Eliot creates a new narrative from a fresh perspective, based on the real-life power struggle between Henry II, King of England, and Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury. The King named his trusty associate Thomas Bucket, the nation's chancellor at the time, the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1161, fearing that the Church's growing influence would undermine his political hegemony. Bucket was chosen to take advantage of the Church for the King's political gain. However, to the King's dismay and sorrow, Thomas Becket steps down as chancellor and begins defending the Church's position; as a result, the King's wrath is directed mostly at him. He must leave for France in order to protect himself from certain situations. Years pass, yet the monarch is still unhappy with the Archbishop's choice. Over time, King Henry's focus shifted to other state-related issues. In his own lifetime, he desired to be anointed as his eldest son's successor. Because of this, he was able to convince the Archbishop of York, the Bishop of London, and the Bishop of Salisbury to preside at this early coronation. However, according to tradition, only the Archbishop of Canterbury was authorized to name and crown the new English King. Becket convinced the Pope to confirm the suspension of the Archbishop of York and his coadjutors, and he did so with his blessing. After publishing this order, Thomas consents to go back home on December 1st. And so the two longtime friends made up. However, he informs the king that he still feels the same way about the Church's authority. The king lashes out once more, warning the Archbishop of the dire repercussions of his stubborn stance.