ABSTRACT
Chapter 12 explores new directions in Becket studies, tracing the ways the Canterbury martyr has been viewed by current scholars interested in the developing fields of gender and sexuality, friendship, anger and conflict, and medievalism. These studies have refined our understanding of Becket’s character and actions, and have shown that the study of his life and personality has enduring meaning and possibility. His continuing relevance in the postmodern world is demonstrated at the end of the chapter with a discussion of his role in current political and religious discourse.
