A Man for All Seasons Review

What job does More recommend that Rich take at the very beginning of the play?

A school teacher.

Who tells More that he's behaving "like a printed book"?

Alice.

What did a woman use to attempt to bribe More?

An Italian silver cup.

What does Rich say he will do with the money he gains from selling the silver cup?

Buy new clothing.

Cardinal Wolsey

Chancellor of England. Has a very sudden death that was the result of the inability to obtain dispensation from the pope that would annul King Henry's marriage to Catherine and allow him to marry Anne Boylan instead. Ambitious and well-developed, but does not have such a well-developed character. His death "hangs" over everyone else as anyone who would dare the king's disapproval.

Cromwell

Crafty lawyer who is plotting against Sir Thomas More. Cromwell, unlike other characters, is motivated by a more evil spirit, and hardly faces any of More's downfall with guilt.

Why does Thomas refuse to tell his family what he thinks about the divorce and the Act of Supremacy?

Doesn't want them to be forced to lie if they are called up to testify against him.

King Henry VIII

King of England, but is only on stage for a brief and short period of time. Is a very present person in the speech of other characters, and is talked about a lot. Seen as a very moral person. Values what More thinks of him, and seems to think very highly of More. Believes he can enforce everyone including the pope. Wants to ease his conscience by sanctioning his divorce to Catherine on More.

What book of the Bible does Henry quote to support his claim that his first marriage was invalid?

Leviticus.

Rich

Low-leveled, but helped More establish himself. Wants to gain employment, but More refuses to help him in the higher classed area. More suggests that he becomes a teacher. "Conquers and destroys his conscience". Sacrifices his will and standards for wealth and status.

What is Roper's religion at the beginning of the play?

Lutheran.

Margaret

More's well educated and intelligent daughter. Understands her father very well, but still questions his actions and decisions. Eventually marries Roper.

Sir Thomas More

Protagonist of the play. Refuses to sign an oath. Center point of the story in which conflicts revolve around. "Gives up" his life because he cannot sacrifice his commitment to his conscience. Does not make a move to speak out against Henry's divorce. Reveals his true opinion after Cromwell condemns him.

Norfolk

Very close friends with Thomas More; he is eventually asked by Cromwell to destroy and betray his close friendship with Thomas More. Very dumbfounded and never knows what's going on, and is an innocent person in Cromwell's opinion.

Alice

Wife of Thomas More, very conflicted to herself and spends most of the play questioning why her husband will not give her the king's wishes. Her attitude is often switching over from anger to confusion. Says "God Knows Why" is okay for More to then die.

In his preface, which man does Bolt not cite as an influence in writing his play?

William Shakespeare.

Roper

At the beginning of the play, he is Lutheran, but then later switches over to Catholicism. The boyfriend of Margaret, who then becomes her husband after switching over to Catholicism. His "high minded" ideas eventually come to contrast with More's thoughts and opinions. Becomes another "foil" for Sir Thomas More. In every one of his scenes, he is taking a public stand for a newly developed conflict or issue. Advocates the law as a better guide to morality.

What position does Cromwell offer Rich in exchange for Rich's false testimony at More's trial?

Attorney general of Wales.