Final answer:
Becket's choice to eliminate Lord Gilbert symbolizes his unwavering commitment to defending the church's independence and sends a powerful message about the consequences of challenging ecclesiastical authority. This dramatic decision adds a profound layer of tension and moral complexity to the unfolding narrative.Thus,the correct option is b) Execute him
Step-by-step explanation:
In T.S. Eliot's play "Murder in the Cathedral," Archbishop Thomas Becket plans to execute Lord Gilbert. This decision is rooted in the historical context and the conflict between Becket and King Henry II. Becket, once a close friend and ally of the king, undergoes a transformation after being appointed Archbishop of Canterbury. He becomes a staunch defender of the church's independence, which puts him at odds with the king's desire to exert control over the church.
Becket's decision to execute Lord Gilbert is a strategic move to protect the church's autonomy. Lord Gilbert, aligned with King Henry II, poses a threat to Becket's mission to uphold the church's rights and privileges. By eliminating Lord Gilbert, Becket aims to send a powerful message that challenges to the church's authority will not be tolerated. The execution becomes a symbol of Becket's commitment to the church's principles and his willingness to make personal sacrifices for the greater cause.
This dramatic turn of events underscores the central themes of the play, exploring the complexities of power, morality, and the clash between secular and religious authority. Becket's decision to execute Lord Gilbert is a pivotal moment that drives the narrative forward, highlighting the tension between political and spiritual forces in a historical and philosophical context.
Thus,the correct option is b)