Becket and Other Plays

by Alfred Lord Tennyson

Overview

Alfred Lord Tennyson's "Becket and other plays" delves into pivotal moments in history. This collection centers on the life and martyrdom of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, later known as Saint Thomas. Through dramatic verse, Tennyson explores the complex relationship between Becket and King Henry II, capturing the political and religious tensions that defined 12th-century England.

"Becket" is a powerful historical drama, offering insight into the conflicts between church and state, loyalty and faith. Tennyson masterfully depicts the events leading to Becket's assassination, presenting a compelling portrait of a man who stood firm in his convictions.

Beyond "Becket," this volume contains additional plays by Tennyson, showcasing his skill in crafting engaging narratives rooted in historical and legendary themes. This edition presents a carefully prepared text, preserving the timeless quality of Tennyson's work for those interested in English history and dramatic literature.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781022972568
Publisher:	Anson Street Press
Publication date:	03/28/2025
Pages:	328
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.69(d)

About the Author

Alfred Tennyson, 1st Baron Tennyson, FRS (6 August 1809 - 6 October 1892) was Poet Laureate of Great Britain and Ireland during much of Queen Victoria's reign and remains one of the most popular British poets. Tennyson excelled at penning short lyrics, such as "Break, Break, Break," "The Charge of the Light Brigade," "Tears, Idle Tears" and "Crossing the Bar." Much of his verse was based on classical mythological themes, such as Ulysses, although In Memoriam A.H.H. was written to commemorate his best friend Arthur Hallam, a fellow poet and fellow student at Trinity College, Cambridge, who was engaged to Tennyson's sister, but died from a brain haemorrhage before they could marry. Tennyson also wrote some notable blank verse including Idylls of the King, "Ulysses," and "Tithonus." During his career, Tennyson wrote dramas including Becket and The Falcon. A number of phrases from Tennyson's work have become commonplaces of the English language, including "Nature, red in tooth and claw," "'Tis better to have loved and lost / Than never to have loved at all," "Theirs not to reason why, / Theirs but to do and die," "My strength is as the strength of ten, / Because my heart is pure," "To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield," "Knowledge comes, but Wisdom lingers," and "The old order changeth, yielding place to new." He is the ninth most frequently quoted writer in The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations.