A Man for All Seasons - Thomas More Study Guide

What is Richard Rich's position at the time of the trial?

Attorney General for Wales

On what grounds does Henry want a divorce?

Catherine can't produce a son that lives past infancy

What position does Cromwell give to Richard Rich?

Collector of Revenue to York

After writing a book called "A Defense of the Seven Sacraments", Henry is given what title by the Pope?

Defender of the Faith

Since Thomas is not a special or important man anymore he does not have enough money for everyone to be in the house, but he said none of the help are leaving until everyone has a place to move in; He makes his family leave the country

How does Thomas protect his friends/family?

Early in the film, Cardinal Wolsey accuses Thomas More of selfishness because he remains faithful to his own conscience rather than fascinating matters of the state. More responds that " When statesmen forsake their own private conscience for the sake of the state affairs, they lead their country down the road to chaos". What does More mean by this statement?

If you want to be a true law maker, you must rely on your conscience (Can't trade away honesty) because it will lead to a greater good

What is the significance of the silver cup given to Thomas More?

It was a bribe to make More help with the divorce (It showed how easily Richard could be bribed)

Anne Boleyn

King Henry VIII wants to marry her instead of his former wife

Catherine of Aragon

King Henry VIII's first wife who didn't bear him an heir

Edward VI

King Henry VIII's son

What is Thomas More's profession?

Lawyer/ Judge

What position does More inherit from Wolsey?

Lord Chancellor of the Realm

Will Roper

Marries Lady Margaret; was originally Lutheran but went back to the Catholic faith

From watching the movie, what does it take to be considered a faithful servant of the king?

Mirror the king's actions (Does not allow independent minds)

Why does More initially oppose his daughter's marriage to Will Roper?

More considers Roper a heretic

Why does henry value More's opinion so much?

More is honest

What is the Pope's response to Henry's request for a divorce?

No

Why does More believe he will remain safe by remaining silent? Is he correct?

No one will be able to accuse him of making statements; He is not correct

What crime does Rich commit (in speaking as a witness at the trial)?

Perjury

What is the relationship between Cromwell and Rich?

Rich becomes a spy for Cromwell

Who is Richard Rich? What type of position is he seeking? How does More respond? What position does More offer instead?

Richard rich is an ambitious educated man from Cambridge;A place in court;No one will offer Rich the position;Teacher

To what position is Cromwell promoted?

Secretary to the Council

What does More's family ask him to do?

Sign the oath

Why does Henry want a divorce from Catherine?

So he could get a son to be his successor

What position does Henry claim for himself after the divorce?

Supreme Head of the Church in England

For what crime is More finally tried? What is the verdict?

That More undoubtedly denied king Henry of his title; Guilty of high treason

King is head of the Church & Anne Boleyn is the lawful queen

The Act of Succession stating what two main articles?

More tells his accusers that fidelity to one's conscience is like holding water in one's cupped hands. What is the rationale behind this comparison?

The conscience is lost forever and can not be brought back

Why does More forgive his executioner?

The executioner is sending Thomas to God

What were the special circumstances surrounding their marriage?

The pope had to give him a dispensation in order for him to get divorced (Henry married his brother's widow and Catherine swore that the marriage was not legit)

What is More's objection to signing the oath?

There was more than just succession in the oath and the oath stated that the marriage between Henry and Anne was valid

Lady Margaret (Meg)

Thomas More's daughter; scribe; married Will Roper

Matthew

Thomas More's personal servant

Lady Alice

Thomas More's wife; sometimes grumpy

Why is More's family finally allowed to visit him while he's imprisoned in the Tower of London?

To convince him to sign the oath

The position of Attorney General of Whales

What does Richard receive (specifically) from Cromwell for lying in court for Thomas?

If the Duke went to heaven but Thomas didn't, would the Duke go with Thomas for fellowship

What is Thomas' argument for not giving into the Duke's peer pressure?

He promises that he will leave Thomas out of the divorce matters because Thomas does not want to be a part of it.

When the King comes to visit Thomas at his house, what promise does he make to Thomas? Does he keep it?

Cromwell is giving bribes to Richard for information about Thomas

Why does Richard become 'friends' with Cromwell?

Realized the cup is a bribe

Why does Thomas except the silver cup but later throw it in the water?

The apples are supposed to be a bribe but he doesn't accept bribes

Why does Thomas refuse the baked apples from the villager?

The Duke is telling Thomas to tell him about his divorce conversation, Thomas says what if the king demands the Duke to tell him what Thomas told him, if he refused that would be against the law

Why does Thomas stage a fight with The Duke?

What help does Wolsey seek of More?

Wolsey wants the advice of what to do with Henry XIII (Wants support)

Cardinal Wolsey

dislikes Sir Thomas More; tries to help grant King Henry VIII and annulment for his divorce

Why does Henry say his marriage is sinful?

he lived in incest with his brother's widow

At his execution, More says he is the servant of 2 masters. Who are they? In what order?

God then the king

Sir Thomas More

unliked by Cardinal Wosley and Cromwell; lawyer and later Lord Chancellor; doesn't take bribes; executed by King Henry VIII

Richard

wants a position in court; "friend" of Cromwell

Cromwell

wants to be better than Thomas More; talks Richard into helping him in cases with bribes

KIng Henry VIII

wants to divorce his wife, Catherine of Aragon; promised to leave Sir Thomas More out of the issue of his divorce; has anger issues (according to the movie)

What is the Act of Succession?

Any offspring who is a child of Henry and Anne Boleyn is a legitimate successor

Why does More resign as chancellor? Who accepts his resignation?

1. Because Henry declared himself as the head of the Church in England; The Duke of Norfolk accepts his resignation

What does Cromwell tell Rich about the post of administrator? What is the job of an administrator?

Administrators are not popular; They minimize the inconveniences of the king

What is More's opinion of "the law"?

He is protected by it and he has a high opinion of it

What is Rich's tragic flaw?

He is so ambitious that he can't hold a secret if he is bribed

Why is this ironic in light of what he says at the trial?

He lies under oath- ironic b/c he is the highest ranking legal official

What is the significance of Archbishop Cranmer?

He questions More on his religious beliefs during the trial; He was the archbishop of the Church while it was still affiliated with Rome

What does Wolsey think of More's moral stance? His issues of conscience?

He should forget his private conscience to serve the state; More was wasting a good opportunity

Why does Cardinal Wolsey send for More?

He wants to meet with him to ask why More opposed him at the council meeting earlier that day

An Offense of the Seven Sacraments;the authority of the Church

Henry VIII wrote a book titled_____________________ which defends the Church teaching on______________________

Why does henry call anyone who opposes him a "traitor"?

Henry used it as a technique to put down anyone that opposes him

Why does henry hope to have More attend his wedding to Anne Boleyn?

Henry wants More to bless his marriage to Anne

Duke of Norfolk

originally Thomas More's friend; participated in the trial for Thomas' execution