Thomas Becket Movie Peter Glenville\'s

Thomas Becket MOVIE

Peter Glenville's motion picture Becket relates to the life of Thomas Becket and how it was shaped by his principles. Consequent to a series of events involving Becket and King Henry II and the disagreements emerging between the two, they are brought face-to-face with the assistance of King Louis of France. It is on the beaches of Normandy where King Henry II of England and the archbishop of Canterbury meet with the purpose of reaching a deal that would benefit both of them.

Even with the hatred Becket's behavior produced in him, King Henry II cannot ignore the archbishop's value as a friend as one who wants to help England. The scene on the beach is most probably one of the most touching parts of the film, since it comprises several elements involving the relationship between King Henry II and Thomas Becket, revealing that they both appreciated each-other in their hearts.

While the two initially engage in small talk while on the beach of Normandy, spirits rapidly become tensioned as each man declares his passion for what he believes in. Becket for everything related to the clergy and England's abuse relating to the concept and King Henry II for everything concerning his own interest and how it sometimes came in divergence with that of the church. Matters eventually settle as Becket agrees to most requirements imposed on him by King Henry II, with the condition that the latter would respect the church and his position as archbishop.

The conversation ends as King Henry II reveals his most important interest-that of knowing whether or not Becket actually loved him at some point in their relationship. In response to this, Becket claims that he did so with all his capability and that his true love is dedicated toward God.

Question 2:

The king and Becket initially had similar purposes in life, given that they were both dedicated to serving England's secular power. Even with that, while the king seemed more interested in personal affairs, Becket preferred to complete his missions honorably and with as little immoralities as possible involved.

In spite of the attachment each of them felt for the other, their personal and political aims were largely opposite. The fact that Becket is named Chancellor adds to the connection between him and the king. Moreover, Becket's determination to serve the king regardless of the circumstances is shown through the fact that the Chancellor advises Henry II to take action against the church as a response to the fact that it attracted more and more followers at the expense of the Crown. Henry II does not hesitate to put across his feelings for Becket, even if the latter does so with a lack of enthusiasm.

Conditions in the movie change with Becket preventing the king from abusing the peasant's girl, which in turn leads to Gwendolen's suicide. The king is more shaken by the event than is Becket, proving that the former lacks strength of character.

Becket's political preferences change along with his appointment as Archbishop of Canterbury, showing that his dedication toward his job is more important than his personal happiness. The king also proves that he is devoted to maintaining his position through the fact that he is reluctant to accept Becket's decisions as a member of the clergy. However, Becket proves to have a stronger determination in serving his mission regardless of the costs when he abandons everything related to the way he lived in the past. The king proves his irresponsibility by forgiving Becket and thus brings England once again in danger of being controlled by the clergy. The final scenes show how Becket dies while protecting his beliefs while the king is ravaged by his own actions and illogically punishes Becket's killers for the murder Henry II indirectly ordered.

Question 3:

It is difficult to determine if Becket actually got God's honor exactly as he expected it to. The fact that he died as a member of the church nonetheless turns him into a martyr, given that he could have prevented this by respecting Henry II's requirements. Becket obviously longed for the honor of God, but his love was not necessarily one related to achievement. As a member of the church he learnt that one should love God's honor and that he or she has to respect the divine no matter the consequences.

Brother John, the monk trying to protect Becket during the last moments of his life, is an example of how one is more attached to material matters than he is attached to his beliefs. Becket does not attempt to oppose resistance to the barons' attack, since he believed that his death was nearing as a result of his resolute convictions.

King Henry II makes Becket a martyr, granting the former archbishop a material value most members of the clergy aspire to. However, through his actions Becket proved to have no regard in this title, as his real aspirations were related to the supernatural, to his connection to the divine, and to what he perceived as being God's will. The Pope highlighted the fact that it was Becket's mission to protect God's honor in England, making it obvious that the Archbishop of Canterbury had to do so through every means possible, even if this meant that he would have to give up his life.

Becket died as a true hero, respectably and without feeling any remorse for his past actions as a member of the church. Judging from this, it would be fair to say that Becket had without a doubt achieved the "honor of God."