Lust

Lust is a dominant theme in the play. King Henry lusts after power and conquest in the political realm. He lusts after women continually and takes his lust to the next level by continually engaging in sexual relations with women even though he's a married man. Becket, prior to his religious conversion, lusted after women as well. He partook in his share of women in concert with King Henry – two carousing fellows in their younger days.

The Pope and the Cardinal in Rome lust after power. They desire to keep their hold on governments and populaces, evidenced by their desire to manipulate the drama concerning King Henry and Thomas Becket. The little Monk lusts after revenge and this prompted his plot against King Henry. The Barons lust after much food, drink, and revelry. In social situations such as Court banquets, they are not discreet about their appetite for...