"York Notes on Murder in the Cathedral" by A. Norman Jeffares offers readers a concise and insightful exploration of T.S. Eliot's renowned play. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the plot, characters, themes, and historical context of "Murder in the Cathedral," enabling readers to gain a deeper understanding of Eliot's rich and poetic work.
The author begins by providing a summary of the play, offering a detailed account of the events and characters involved. This summary serves as a helpful introduction for readers who may be unfamiliar with the play or who need a refresher before delving into a more in-depth analysis.
Jeffares then delves into the major themes present in "Murder in the Cathedral," such as martyrdom, the clash between secular and religious powers, and the conflict between individual conscience and societal expectations. Through his analysis, Jeffares skillfully examines Eliot's intentions and uncovers the underlying messages within the play.
Available on Audible
Moreover, the book offers a comprehensive exploration of the historical context surrounding the play, particularly focusing on the 12th-century murder of Thomas Becket and its implications. This historical backdrop not only aids in understanding the play itself but adds depth and relevance to its themes and characters.
One of the valuable features of "York Notes on Murder in the Cathedral" is its inclusion of sample essay questions and helpful tips for essay writing. These resources allow readers to further develop their understanding and analytical skills by practicing writing responses to thought-provoking prompts related to the play.
What are readers saying?
"York Notes on Murder in the Cathedral" by A. Norman Jeffares is a highly regarded book that offers an extensive analysis and study notes on T.S. Eliot's renowned play. Readers have overwhelmingly praised this book for its comprehensive coverage and insightful commentary.
Reviewers highly appreciate A. Norman Jeffares' detailed analysis and interpretation of "Murder in the Cathedral." They find the book to be an invaluable resource that provides a deep understanding of Eliot's play, making it suitable for students and scholars alike. The author's analytical approach is particularly admired, as readers express gratitude for the clear explanations and interpretations of complex themes.
The organization of the book is also highlighted as a positive aspect in the reviews. Readers find the structure of the book to be user-friendly, with dedicated sections for different aspects of the play such as historical context, key themes, and character analysis. This layout helps readers navigate the content and easily find the information they are looking for.
Another aspect that reviewers value is the accessibility of the book. They find that the language used is easy to understand, even for those who may not have much experience studying literature. This accessibility makes "York Notes on Murder in the Cathedral" an invaluable resource for students at various academic levels.
Furthermore, readers appreciate the inclusion of examples and quotations from the play in the book. These excerpts help reinforce and illustrate the author's points, making the analysis more engaging and relatable. Readers find these examples particularly helpful for understanding and interpreting specific scenes or lines of dialogue.
MurderInTheCathedral TS_Eliot LiteraryAnalysis