A Man For All Seasons - Act One

What did Chapuys tell More about the King of Spain's feelings with regard to Queen Catherine?

Chapuys told More that the King would consider himself insulted by any insult offered to Queen Catherine.

What was the cause of Alice, Meg, and Norfolk's anxiety just prior to the King's arrival?

Although it was said to be a surprise, everyone knew the King was coming but More was nowhere to be found. When he did return, he was not dressed and had a casual attitude about the King's arrival.

Why did More feel he was "safe"?

He believed he had broken no law and therefore had done no wrong. Since he had done no wrong, he logically assumed he was safe from punishment.

What did More think of Roper's principles?

He felt that Roper's principles changed whenever it became convenient to change them.

What had King Henry promised More prior to his taking the office of Chancellor?

He promised not to pursue with More the matter of his divorce from Catherine.

What warning did King Henry give More regarding the divorce?

He told More that he would leave him out of it, but he would not stand for any opposition, especially anything in writing. He warned More not to be taken in by the Bishop of Rome, who was being pressured by the King of Spain.

What was the Great Harry?

It was a ship that the King would guide down the river.

Why did More give the silver cup to Rich?

It was given to More as a bribe, so he didn't feel right keeping it. He gave it to Rich as a gift to a friend.

How did King Henry try to persuade More to agree to help with the divorce?

King Henry quoted scripture.

What was More surprised to learn from King Henry about More's being named Chancellor?

King Henry told More it was Wolsey who suggested More for the position of Chancellor.

Why did King Henry want his marriage to Queen Catherine invalid?

King Henry wanted the marriage declared invalid because Queen Catherine had not been able to produce a male heir to the throne. Henry had also become bored with Catherine and had his eye on another woman.

What was More, Alice, and Margaret surprised to learn about Master Cromwell?

Master Cromwell was to become the Cardinal's Secretary.

Describe Rich's conversation with More regarding Cromwell and Chapyus.

Rich told More that Cromwell and Chapyus were collecting information about More. Rich asked More to employ him, and More refused. More could clearly see that Rich was trying to use all sides for his own benefit.

What was Rich's reaction when Cromwell held his arm over the candle? What point was Cromwell making by holding Rich's arm over the candle?

Rich was horrified that Cromwell enjoyed hurting him. Cromwell was showing Rich that anyone could be frightened.

What were More and Rich arguing about when they entered the opening scene?

Rich was making a point that every man had his price and can be bought. More disagreed.

How did Rich react when Cromwell asked if he would be free to accept a new position or if he was committed to his work for the Duke of Norfolk?

Rich was suspicious, but he seemed interested.

Why was the King taking his barge to Chelsea?

The King wanted to meet with More at his home to discuss the invalidation of his marriage to Catherine.

What did both Cromwell and Chapyus want from More's Steward?

They both wanted information about More's feelings regarding the King's divorce.

Who became Lord Chancellor of England following Wolsey's death?

Thomas More became the new Lord Chancellor.

What happened to Wolsey on November 29, 1530 while on his way to the Tower, under the charge of High Treason?

Wolsey died. Professor Larcomb's stated he died of pulmonary pneumonia, while tradition ascribed his death to a broken heart.

Why was More summoned by Cardinal Wolsey?

Wolsey wanted to gain More's support for King Henry's "divorce" from Catherine of Aragon.

What was the purpose of Cromwell's meeting with Rich at the pub?

Cromwell wanted tidbits of information from Rich. He promised Rich the post of Collector of Revenues for York Diocese in exchange for information. They discussed the silver cup More gave to Rich and the conspiracy.

As More departed Hampton Court to return home to Chelsea, who did he meet while waiting for the boatman? What did they was to know?

More met Thomas Cromwell and then the Spanish Ambassador, Chapuys. Both wanted to know about his conversation with Wolsey and whether or not More would help in the plan to get the King's marriage invalidated.

What was More's reaction to Roper's request for Meg's hand in marriage? Why?

More refused to give his consent. More told Roper that he wouldn't not consent as long as Roper was a heretic.

How did More respond when Margaret told him that Norfolk had said that More should be Chancellor?

More said that Norfolk was a dangerous friend to say such a thing. He said he was not interested in being Chancellor, and there would be no new Chancellor as long as Wolsey was alive.

What job did More want Rich to take? Why wouldn't Rich take it?

More wanted Rich to become a teacher. Rich wanted a more splendid job.

Why did King Henry need More's approval for the invalidation of his marriage?

More was known throughout England as an honest man. If More approved, England would approve of the divorce.

Why did Cardinal Wolsey consider himself an enemy to More?

More would not go along with Cardinal Wolsey's plan to request a dispensation of the King's marriage to Catherine.