A Man for All Seasons (Friend or Foe) Essay

In the book, A partkind For All Seasons by Robert Bolt there be a few large sum up that dealt be trusted by Sir doubting doubting doubting doubting doubting Thomas more than, the main character in the book. well-fixedard well-heeled is definitely virtuoso of those men who cant be trusted and along with Thomas Cromwell the two destroy a great deals animateness slowly but surely and to the point of death. In the end of the book to a greater extent is kill for high treason and his family goes from creationness very(prenominal) well off to having to start over. So this book shows that through and through deceitfulness of two, one can fall.There be two main reasons that cryptical would be considered a Foe and those ar his weak recompenseeous character and his devalue of mores fellowship. These argon reasons to work on someone a Foe because if a person doesnt hold trustworthy to their morals then they are easily persuaded and if a person had the colleaguely hu do main relationship of much then they would be idiots not to keep that friendship and respect. In the following paragraphs I pass on give vitrines from the book of these reasons.One reason wherefore Rich is a Foe is because his moral character isnt very strong and passim the book there are many times where it is sh confess that Rich doesnt shed a strong moral character, for exampleRich But every man has his price? more than No-no-no-Rich But yes In money besides. more(prenominal) No no noRich Or pleasure. Titles, woman, bricks-and-mortar, theres ever so something.to a greater extent Childish.In this restate (pg.4) it shows that Rich can be bought and he is trying to tell more than that this is normal because everyone has his price. However, more than, being the kind and charit fit man he is, tries to explain that being able to be bought is not normal and it is a moral impuissance in someones character and tries to serve well him get a job as a teacher where there is no tem ptation of bribery. Another example of how Richs moral character is weakis when he is tal nance to Cromwell and Cromwell tells him that he is to become Secretary to the Council, which he asks Rich not tell anyone most it. However when Cromwell repeats the question over and over, Rich, finally, says he would but it would depend on the bribe. The quote is as follows (pg.71-72)Cromwell No ceremony, no courtship. Be seated. As his majesty would say. Yes see how I trust you.Rich Oh, I would never repeat or account statement a thing like that- Cromwell What kind of thing would you repeat or report?Rich advantageously, cypher express in friendship-may I say friendship?Cromwell If you like. Dyou gestate that-that you would never repeat or report anything et cetera?Rich YesCromwell No, but seriously.Rich Why, yesCromwell Rich seriouslyRich It would depend what I was offered.In the beginning of the book More trusts Rich as a friend and he helps to get Rich a job as a bibliothec for the Duke of Norfolk, however, Rich stabs More in the top by joining Cromwell, who dislikes More very much and lacks to see his demise. For instance in this quote he gives past information about a goblet given to More from a litigant that he was given by More who gave it to him in secret because he didnt loss to be bribed because he thought this was falsely. The quote is as follows (pg.75-76)Cromwell Just so. This goblet that he gave you, how much was it worth? Come along, Rich, he gave you a silver goblet. How much did you get for it? Rich Fifty shillingsCromwell Could you take me to that shop?Rich YesCromwell Where did he get it? It was a gift from a litigant, a woman, wasnt it? Rich YesCromwell Which court? Chancery? No, dont get drunk. In which court was this litigants compositors case? Rich Court of RequestsCromwell There, that wasnt too painful, was it?Rich NoAnother example of how Rich devalues Mores friendship is when he is confronted about it and denies it. This happens wh en Cromwell confronts Rich about his friendship with More and he denies and when Cromwell says that More got him a job he devalues that by saying that More only recommended him to the Duke even though Rich couldnt attain gotten the job himself. This also shows that Rich doesnt hold to his views under pressure, which makes easily changed. The quote is as follows (pg.36-37)Cromwell .There you are in a comparative backwater-yet the unused Lord Chancellors an old friend of yours. Rich He isnt really my friendCromwell Oh, I thought he was.Rich In a sense he is.Cromwell Well, I al government agencys understood that he set you up in life. Rich He recommended me to the Duke.In conclusion Sir Thomas More cant trust Richard Rich because of his morally weak character, he devalues Mores friendship and he cracks under pressure. More also cant trust Cromwell and when Cromwell and Rich are united they are unplayful even to though the smartest of men which More is one. I desire that Rich by him self would not be considered as dangerous as Cromwell, however, that is just my opinion. Robert Bolts A military man for All SeasonsRobert Bolts A Man for All Seasons is a provoking diachronic drama. Thomas More, who is considered to be an honest man, is entangled in the politics of the day and having to decide among his own welfare and his personal conscience. Thomas is an absolute canonize of the church, but now he had to choose between two different kinds of fast(a)ty. The theme seems to be recurring, regardless of the age or setting. In fact, it is the parking lot Man who reminds the reference The 16th century is the century of the common man.Like all the other centuries. By performing different characters with same personalities, green Man enabled the audience to understand the complexities of Mores character in the way of juxta panorama.The Common Man in the play is actually an alienation device, which was inaugural invented by Bertolt Brecht. Here, the Common Man is a n effective device to maintain interest, interpret the action and convey the themes. He just like the Chorus in ancient Greek drama, whose intent was to review the action, explores motivations and issues, foretell what might happen and explore any consequences. Both the Common Man and the Chorus relate the play to audiences familiar life and their frame of reference in modern society. He is the linkage between the audiences and the stage. Just like how he is called, the Common Man, has all the characteristics ordinary tidy sum does. He has ordinary morals, ordinary doubts and ordinary concerns, which means he is always stimulate to compromise, distrustful of martyrdom and plays things low. He is the Old Adam, he is us all.Thomas More, who is the Chancellor of England during hydrogen 8th, is just the opposite of Common Man. At that time, Henry and his married woman Catherine had been unable to birth a boy to be the heir of England, so Henry wanted to divorce with her and marry A nne Boleyn, but cannot get permission from the Pope. Henry tried very hard to get help from Thomas More because he is known to be an honest man and had very good reputation across the whole Europe. Henry pointed out super overtly that Because you are honest.Whats more to the purpose, youre known to be honest. However, More is a strong principled man who held his belief firmly, he was loyal to the Church, at the same time, as the Chancellor of England, he cannot be disloyal to the mightiness. key Wolsey, the former Chancellor, was executed for unable to help the King with the divorce. In give to keep himself and his family safe, Thomas More decided to keep silent and seek protection from the laws. If Mores self is unchangeable, the Common Mans weakness is in his readiness to adapt and change into al nigh anything as a means to survive.Compared with the Common Man, the characteristic of honest of Thomas More is clearly observed. In symbolize One, More offered Rich a silver goble t, and spokefrankly and bluntly that the goblet was a bribe from a woman who had a case at the court. More can certainly not say so, but he didnt. When the King came to his house to talk about the divorce, the King pointed out instanter that Because you are honest. Whats more to the purpose, youre known to be honest. But when it comes to the Common Man, it all turned to be upside down. Matthew stole the wine of Thomas More, but lied about it In order to protect himself, the tavern keeper denied stoutly about knowing who Cromwell was Jailer chose not to report Sir Thomas Mores statements for his own safe. The Common Man lies to survive, he holds his belief on self preservation, he is not a great man, he cannot affect the decisions of the Parliament, and he is only a common man, a man do whatever it takes to survive.More is also very loyal, to both(prenominal) the King and the Church. He didnt want to betray either side, so he chose to be silent. He is a liberal thinker and a man of integrity. Even he didnt want to swear to the stage, and resigned from his office, but he still concerned for the country. He warned Norfolk about threaten from the old Church and asked him to keep an eye on the Border. However, the Common Man doesnt have this good quality. Matthew, a person who should be loyal to his master, Sir Thomas More, offered information about him to Cromwell, Rich and Chapuys for money. He became one of the sources of Cromwell he sold his soul out and turned into an accomplice who sent More to death. When Sir Thomas More resigned from the position, he had to cut down Matthews wage, and without hesitate, Matthew left him and went to be the servant of Rich Richard. These two mens acts are so different that we can see Thomas Mores characteristics of loyal clearly.Sir Thomas More is a man of principle as well. He held his belief in God so strong that nothing can bend dexter it. He is a son of the Church. When Roper proposed to More that he wanted to marry h is daughter, he dissentd for Roper was an heretic. More knew that Roper was a good young man and admired him a lot, but he still said no for his principles. Roper married Margaret as soon as he turned back to the Church. In order to uphold the principles, he insisted not signing on the Act, even he is threatened by death. But the Common Man changes the principles consort to convenient. At first, the boatman tries to bilk More for more money, but eventually, by and by More isdangerous to get close to, he even refused to take him home. Whether it is the Steward, the Boatman, the Publican or the Jailer, each persona is full of self-interest and simple pragmatism. It isnt difficult to keep alive, friends . . . just dont make trouble, or if you moldiness make trouble, make the sort of trouble thats expected.The metaphor of water appeared many times in the play. Water is flowing and changeable. The succession of characters the Common Man portrays provides an image of that fluidity. Whe n people are aligned with the Common Man, they can find it difficult to comprehend Thomas More. For he got so many opportunities to save his life and reunite with his families. Its hard to understand his martyrdom and strong belief in the law. In the contrast, Common Man knows the time and precisely when the stakes are too high, If its worth that much now, its worth my neck presently. I want no part of it. They can sort it out between them. I feel my deafness coming on.More also has an understanding of them, even when they steal his wine. Matthew, I shall miss you. While the play centre on Mores choice to die rather than sign over his name on the Act, its easy to determine how Mores characteristics are presented to the audience. If More is defined with his words, a mans soul is his self, then the Common Man may best be defined by his philosophy, better a live rat than a dead lion. Even at times the Common Man is dishonest, manipulating, unscrupulous and disloyal he is a master of li ving in the society. He changes his values easily like the water bounce back when hit on the bank. Thomas More held his unchangeable principlesThe alienation device has challenged our perspectives and left us with much to ponder. Ultimately, it is not only how we, the audience, perceive the Common Man or even how he sees himself. or so importantly, it is the understanding that those in power have of the Common Man and his motives, ideals and aspirations.ACT 1, SCENE 1Conversation between Thomas More and Richard Rich.RICH Well there A friend of Sir Thomas and still no office? There must be something wrong with him. MORE I thought we said friendshipThe Dean of St Pauls offers you a post with a house, a servant and fifty pounds a year. .RICH Its hard.MORE (grimly) Be a teacher.This conversation, as well as the previous one, sets up the contrast between Sir Thomas More and Richard Rich which is prevalent throughout the entire play. In this opening scene, Rich and More argue over whethe r or not anyone can be bought. While Rich believes every man has his price, More refuses to hit with the notion that everybody could succumb to the temptations of status, power, wealth and women, or the notion of execrable. Rich means to say that men want to avoid suffering and are accordingly attracted to the possibility of escape, and More instantly recognises this idea as one of Machaevellis. As Machaevelli is historically understood to have written on the government, and how putting political appropriateness above ethical issues and morality was the sensible approach to be taken in aquiring status, Richs corruptibility and the suppression of his conscience is foreshadowed in that Machaevellis theories both interest and attract him.More warns Rich of the temptation involved in aquiring a high-ranking job, and offers him an Italian silver cup. The silver cup symbolises Mores attempt to test and teach Rich, and is significant throughout the play as it represents the commencemen t of Richs corruptibilty, which eventually escalates into much more evil and mean actions later on. The cup also represents the differences in principles and morailty between More and Rich. While Mores principles dont allow him to keep such a contaminated object, Rich jumps at the chance of receiving something so valuable for free.In between this opening conversation with More and the next important step in Richs complete loss of innocence, and Mores own demise, a number of changes occur in character relationships. Rich and Cromwells relationship becomes closer and more valuable. More recognises this and assumes Rich nolonger requires Mores assistance in aquiring employment. Rich objects to this, claiming he would rather work with More than Cromwell, however More again refuses Rich a job as he is certain Rich is untrustworthy and to an extent, dangerous. This is obvious in that while More points out to Norfolk that Rich is in search of employment, he does not recommend him. Matthew (Mores servant and one representation of the common man), also predicts that Rich provide amount to nothing, but as we see later on, Richs deception and lack of morality and principles ultimately, and ironically, gets him everything he ever wanted.More talks to Cardinal Wolsey, the Lord Chancellor, who tries to convince him to approve of King Henrys divorce, but More believes the divorce is unacceptable without the Popes consent. Despite Wolseys warnings of consequences associated with disapproval, More refuses to set aside his beliefs and conform, giving a clear insight into his belief in staying true to ones self and not conforming to something you dont agree with out of fear. This persona of More foreshadows his stance on events that come later in the play. More also refuses to allow Roper to marry his daughter Margaret due to Ropers dynamic ghostlike beliefs, labelling him a heretic, and disapproving of his inability to stay true to the English Church. Rich becomes Norfolks secretary and librarian, and Cromwell undermines him for this.Rich admits he isnt really friends with More anymore, which explains why he hasnt yet aquired a better job. However, when Cromwell offers him employment he declines, showing that he isnt ready to become a walking representation of Machaevellis theories yet, but later bribes Matthew for information on More which undermines his morality once again. Chapuys and Cromwell also bribe Matthew for information, which shows how most of the characters are immoral (especially contrasted to More) and highlights the difficulty More will face in his newly appointed position as Lord Chancellor. After deceiving More, Rich attempts to convince More to give him a job once again by telling him of Chapuys and Cromwells bribery towards Matthew.More refuses again and Richs violent demeanor and badgering spark fright in Mores family, who try to convice More to have Rich arrested. More believes the idea of this is infallible because Rich has no t broken the law. King Henry visits More personally in an attempt to receive his approval, as the approval of a man with such an honest and moral reputation would be sure to make the Kingfeel moral as well. However More is unable to discard his conscience, telling the King This is my right arm. Take your dagger and saw it from my shoulder, and I will laugh and be thankful, if by that means I can come with Your Grace with a clear conscience. Once again he is portrayed as a man of irrefutable morality, in that he wont approve of something he believes is wrong by the law, or unacceptable by God.CROMWELL Well, congratulations.RICH .You enjoyed itIn this Dialogue between Rich and Cromwell at The Loyal Subject, Cromwell bribes Rich with the position of Collector of Revenues for York in return for information. Rich is subtly coerced into admitting he will be bought, which pleases Cromwell in that he was relying on Richs corruptibility for information on More. Cromwell seeks Richs help in m aking the Kings divorce convenient, and despite Richs laments over his own corruptibility, he informs Cromwell of the bribe More once received.Cromwell believes More will change his stance on the Kings divorce, but Rich objects, saying More will not be easily frightened. While Rich represents how one can sacrifice their own moral conscience in the face of gain, Cromwell appears to have nothing to gain, which makes him appear more evil in that he is trying to bring More down for the sake of it. Guilt is a recurring theme throughout the play, and is potently exemplified in this extract as despite Richs own guilt, he easily succumbs to the temptation Cromwell offers to him, revealing his pathetic character traits which were first brought to light in the opening scene.Between Richs ultimate betrayal of More, and complete fracture to a representative of Machaevellis theories, several events occur. Act two opens, which is two years later than the previous Act. The Act of Supremacy has b een passed, which states that King Henry VIII is now the head of the Church of England. Staying true to his religious beliefs, More is unable to continue in his position as Lord Chancellor due to his belief that the King is attacking the Church of England. His disapproval of the Kings actionsforce him to resign in order to keep his moral conscience, as he cant be so closely attached to someone he sees as having no conscience, let alone work for them. Cromwell intends to use the information he gained from Rich in order to blackmail More into recognising the King as the head of the English Church, and consenting to the Kings divorce.The next time we see Rich is when Cromwell questions More about his stance on the issues regarding the King, and Rich notes what it said. However, while the knowledge that the King isnt pleased with Mores actions, and the many attempts from everyone (even his family) to make him sign the Act of Succession unsettle More, he will not sacrifice his self for anything. More takes notice of Richs fancy clothes, which represent Richs gradual rise through position and status in society. It is now clear that the contrast in Richs and Mores ascent and descent are coincident with Richs lack of regard concerning moral principles, and Mores refusal to ignore his moral principles and conscience.More is eventually taken to prison for refusing to agree to The Act of Succession, which deems the Kings first marriage (to Catherine) invalid, while confirming that Queen Annes children are the heirs to the throne. More feels he will be condemned to hell if he is to approve, and while his death has been forshadowed, the play argues that his sacrifice of life is nothing compared to the other characters who sacrifice themselves and their consciences. As Mores family comes to the Tower of London to see him, his have it off for them is highlighted, while his absolute love for God is further highlighted in that he is willing to sacrifice a happy life with hi s family who he loves so much in order to serve God, and protect what he believes to be right.CROMWELL (backs away. His face stiff with malevolence) My lords, I wish to call (raise voice) Sir Richard Rich ..NORFOLK Prisoner at the bar, you have been found guilty on the charge of High Treason. The sentence of the court is that you shall be taken from the Court to the Tower, thence to the place of execution, and there your head shall be stricken from your body, and may God have mercy on your soulPrior to this extract (during Mores running in which he is being charged with high treason), Cromwell attempts to convince the jury that Mores silenceregarding the King can be interpreted as nothing but disapproval. More once again refuses to take the Act of Succession, as he sees taking the oath as lying to God, which would be sacrificing his self. Rich is called to the stand, and claims he heard More say Parliament has not the competence to declare Henry VIII the head of the Church of Engla nd. More denies this, and tells the court there were two other people present during the conversation with Rich, but Cromwell undercuts this by saying they could not be at the trial and heard nothing anyway.Ultimately, Mores attempts to teach Rich were futile and unsuccessful, as Richs actions directly led to Mores death. When More realises his fate, he publicly denounces the Act of Supremacy and while he considers himself loyal to King Henry, he understands his premature death is because he refused to recognise the Kings marriage to Anne Boleyn. More also realises Rich has a new chain of office, and mildly scolds him Why Richard, it profits a man nothing to give his soul for the whole worldbut for Wales?. Richs transformation to everything More ever despised is completed with his perjury. Ironically, Mores own refusal to perjure himself led to his death, while Richs willingness led to his financial and social prosperity.A Man for all seasonsIn Robert Bolts, A man for all seasons, Sir Thomas More did not die in vain. He stayed true to himself. More achieved more in the end because he didnt let death worry him. His last words illustrate this His will not refuse one who is so blithe to go (pg. 99). More understood that he was in line with his beliefs. More fought for what he believed in and refused to be molded into something that he wasnt. He knew that by dying, he would be proving a point to the public and let it be known that Cromwell had set him up.By More dying, he turn out a point to himself and the public. That he was honorable and not going to succumb to the deceitful thinking of Cromwell and the King. I have not disobeyed my sovereign. I truly believe no man in England is safer than myself. (pg. 40) This clearly demonstrates the fact that More knew what he was on about and wasnt going to go against hisbeliefs for the sake of living.More strongly believed in the church and the Head of the Church, the Pope. He sustained in doing what you feel right in y our heart, not what people tell you. More knew that if he stayed alive, it would have been sufferable, living in jail for the rest of his life, no job and little sight of family. He did what he thought was right. I do no harm, I say none harm, I think none harm. And if this be not enough to keep a man alive, in good faith I long not to live(pg. 97)When More died it sent a message to the public that the Kin was wrong in what he was doing. As More died in front of a lot of people, it certainly showed to the public that it was honorable and he put his point across in the clear way. .but because I would not bend to the marriage (pg. 78) More is simply stating that he wouldnt agree with the King for the clear intention of staying alive.More knew that Cromwell had set he up, yet had no way of proving it and knew that no-one would believe him. Cromwell was hunting More for his beliefs not actions. Peoples greed justified that they could go after More in order to get what they wanted. An e xample of this Machiavellian principle is Richard Rich. He helped to kill More, he even lied under oath, all it get what he wanted. As More said to Cromwell, In studys of conscience, the loyal subject is more bounden to be loyal to his conscience than to any other thing. (pg. 92) This suggests that More believed in what he was saying and it didnt matter what Cromwell was saying, More simply dismissed it.More died for the fact that he would not succumb to the beliefs of the public and the monarchy. He stayed true to himself and this is the most important factor in life. If you are denying yourself to order to get something or somewhere, you are cheating yourself.A man for all seasonsA Man for All Seasons is the story of a man who knows who he is, expressing courage and faithfulness at all costs. In addition, every character has their own ends to meet, and the only distinguishable feature between them ishow they go about it. Some characters disregard all sense of morality as they plu nge into an approach, which primarily encompasses self-interest. In all, most of the characters in the movie personify selfishness in one way or another. Of course there are some whose selfishness is more noticeable than others however, at some point they are all deficient in their consideration of others and live chiefly for personal profit. All except for one, Sir Thomas More he is a man who subconsciously is a slave to his own conscience. He executes selfless acts in order to do what he knows is legal, and what he thinks is right. He is one of very few people who have died with their integrity intact. each other character sold themselves out to the king. To be honest, I think I would have sold myself out to the king to, if the consequence was to be beheaded if I did not. That is why I envy Sir Thomas because of his individualism, ethics, and courage he had during his stand against the King. Sir Thomas More was a character who was faced with a number of difficult choices. The maj or one being, when Henry VIIIs first wife was unable to produce an heir to the throne, he used that as an forgive for the pope to grant him a divorce, so he could marry a new wife. The King is backed by everyone on this request except the exceedingly regarded and religious Sir Thomas More. When the old Chancellor of England, named More his successor, it became important for Henry to get Mores support, but More could not be swayed. He made his decision to oppose the marriage early on, but even though it was something he did not waver from, he still had trouble with it.More made a very difficult decision in opposing the King and his family, but regardless of the consequences, he matte that he was morally even up and for him to choose any other path would have been impossible for he could not oppose the church and God. I think Alices and his daughter Margarets complaints in all likelihood had the most impact with More because he cared very deeply about his family and probably woul d have caved in to the King, if he had he not felt he was correct in his decision and there was no other alternative. Honestly, I think everyone should have moral values of some kind, but I do not know about having such strong morals that a person is willing to give up their life and family to stand for what they believe in. Above all, Thomas More did what he did because his ultimate goal was to be with God. Consequently, he felt he had to do what God wanted and not what his king wanted him to do.In addition, having an view like that didput a damper on his relationship with his wife. I think they loved each other very much, but she did not feel entirely appreciated by him. It was evident that Thomass formidable intelligence intimidated her and she felt inferior to him. That was probably common in that day and time because women of that era rarely were educated, whereas the men were. In the end, their love for one another was evident in the scene up in Tower of London. Both of them getting teary eyed, knowing they will never get to see each other ever again. Even after that scene Thomas felt he was making the right decision because he was able to explain why he made the decision to go against the King. Chiefly, no one supported Mores decision not even his own family, but Mores family did support him.Especially his wife Alice she knew her husband better than any other human being. Therefore, when she finds herself at her limit in comprehending why her husband would take such a stand against the king, it bothers Thomas More. Mostly because she is his anchor in life and he needs her support, and needs her to understand why he is doing what he is doing. In the end, I think she understands why Thomas did what he did and the human risk of taking a principled stand against power. On the other hand, everyone else decided they were going to support King Henry VIII or be two faced about his moral standards. A great example of this was with the character, Oliver Cromwell , he represented the basic evilness of the strike and threaten to have More executed for not acquiescing to the marriage.All he ever did was try and make the king happy. For instance, he said, When the King wants something done, I do it. I think Cromwell said this because he did not want his head to be cut off therefore, all he did was kiss up to the king. In the end, it did not help him because he was tried and found guilty of treason. One character that did not get tried for treason was Richard Rich. He was one of the characters that betrayed Sir Thomas More. Throughout the film it was obvious to the viewer Richard Rich only cared about himself. By far, his worse act of selfishness was when he lied and sold out Thomas More for he could become Attorney General of Wales. As a result, I think Rich was a piece of scum for doing such acts of treason to an old friend. I also believe Thomas More thought so because he said, Richard, it profits a man nothing to trade his soul for the who le world, but for Wales.I thought that was a tremendous slap in the face to Richard. Another character that betrayed Thomas Moreafter being his friend was the Duke of Norfolk, he foolishly badgered More to relent and join the Kings supporters. Obviously he did not realizing the depth of Mores integrity. Consequently, Norfolk conducted the trial for High Treason against his former friend, never aware that More had eased his passage from trusted friend to state enemy by purposely pique him. Above all, that is why I envy Sir Thomas More because of his individualism, ethics, and courage he had throughout his stand against King Henry VIII. It would have been hard for a person to purposely make an enemy out of a good friend. Even when you know it is for their own good.I do not think it would be possible for me to do that, which is why I envy Thomas. Aside from envying him I did not agree with what he did. In my eyes, putting his morals before his family was wrong of him. There had to have been other ways to voice your opinion back in that era without losing your head. I feel Sir Thomas More caused great suffering to his family that was unnecessary. In conclusion, I think you made us watch the movie for that particular reason. To show us how diverse each persons attitude is towards their higher power. Now days in America, people are permitted to voice their opinion, and we take it for granted not realizing what a privilege it is to be able to deliver out with no consequences.