In what ways is the play pessimistic? In what ways is it optimistic?

Murder in the Cathedral is at its core based on Christian faith and optimism. Thomas bravely repudiates the limitations of physical existence to secure a spiritual path for himself and those who will come after him. Much like Christ did, Thomas sacrifices himself to illustrate the glory of subsuming oneself to God's command. However, the play is extremely pessimistic in its depiction of the life of suffering. As the play progresses, the Chorus gives speeches that are progressively more pessimistic. Not only is life full of thankless toil and examples of powerlessness, but one can be further discouraged by pursing a holy life of integrity, since such a perspective only reveals how much deeper the depths of human depravity truly are. Eliot maintains the ability to paint a pessimistic, dark picture of the world that defined his earlier poetry, but here he demonstrates that by confronting such pessimism, one can discover a much greater, fuller optimism.