Friendship and Love Between Henrey and Becket

Friendship and Love Between Becket And Henry

In Becket, by Jean Anouilh, King Henry II and Thomas Becket share different views when it comes to the basis of friendship and the understanding of love. King Henry shows very superficial values, recognizing acts of servitude as signs of true friendship. His outlook on love is only skin deep, due to the fact that he has never truly been in love. Becket on the other hand, has a much deeper understanding of friendship. He deeply respects his king, but fails to love him and recognize him more than a friend. Becket’s definition of love and friendship cannot coincide with Henry’s shallow idea of love.

King Henry does not understand the meaning of a true friendship. His substantial amount of power and his high position makes it almost impossible for him to get close to anyone. He calls Becket, his chancellor, his friend, when he in fact is more like his servant, performing acts such as bathing and dressing him. Henry sees these acts as a sign of friendship. Also, the way he treats Becket is inhumane. For example, when Becket made a promise to the king to give him anything, King Henry asked for his wife. He then ends up killing her with a knife. A friend would never ask for something that is so beloved by his comrade. Although Becket deeply cherishes and respects his king, he does not see King Henry with the same eyes.

Becket’s idea of friendship differs greatly from Henry’s idea of friendship. Becket has a much greater idea to what friendship is all about. He shows respect for his king calling him “my prince” and “your highness”, but Becket does not love him as Henry claims. When the king asked Thomas “Do you love me?” Becket never gave him a straight answer, but rather said “You