Immobility of Sir Thomas More in A Man for All Seasons by Robert Bolt - Essay Example

 Cardinal Wolsey plays on More’s love of stability with the question, “Do you favor a change of dynasty?” (12), implying that the social consequences of not granting the king’s divorce will lead to an eventual war over the succession. He recognizes that More would gladly “govern the country by prayers” (13), suggesting that More’s idealism is stupid and flies in the face of logic.

The king approaches More with flattery, treating him with honor and calling him his friend. Then, having buttered More up, Henry tries to persuade him through religious argument, quoting, “Leviticus: ‘Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of they brother’s wife.’ Leviticus, Chapter eighteen, Verse sixteen” (31), and saying of his first marriage, “it was a sin, Thomas, I admit it; I repent. And God has punished me; I have no son” (31). After appealing to More’s piety, the king switches tactics, stroking his ego with more complements: More is “known to be honest” (31) and the king respects his sincerity. At last, he woos More with the offer of a king’s regard, saying, “If you could come with me, you are the man I would soonest raise—yes, with my own hand” (33). 

 When Richard Rich visits More, he has come to move More with paranoia, warning him, “Cromwell is asking questions. About you. About you particularly. He is continually collecting information about you!” (36). A pragmatist whose reading of Machiavelli has made him dangerous and successful, Rich has a guilty conscience. His last appeal is almost a cry for More to save him from his own practicality. When he begs, “Employ me” (37) he is asking More to relieve him of the burden of all the terrible things he knows he will otherwise take part in.

 In the middle of the play, Norfolk tries to tempt More with his own honor. He claims, “from where I stand, this looks like cowardice” (52) and “you’ll forfeit all you’ve got—which includes the respect of your country (53). Later, knowing that More is to soon be incarcerated, he appeals to his friendship.