Until someone has to make a difficult decision he cannot understand the feeling of being torn asunder by two different options In T S Elliots Murder in the Cathedral Thomas Becket is being pulled by two compelling choices either reconciling with King Henry or dying a martyr both of which mask his larger concern about having the right motives when he makes a decision Thomass first temptation is to mend his friendship with Henry If he does this Thomas will regain the Chancellorship that he resign