A Man for All Seasons: A Play in Two Acts

"If we lived in a State where virtue was profitable, common sense would make us good, and greed would make us saintly. And we'd live like animals or angels in the happy land that needs no heroes." ~Sir Thomas MoreI haven't read a play since I was in high school, during my drama club days when I actually participated in a play. While I am not the greatest fan of period pieces, the lessons of corruption - morality - politics, and the common man remain evident through the evolution of time, place, and opportunity.Is there a blurred line or expectation of compromise between bowing down to the pressures of choosing the populist wrong in exchange for what is right and just? The conversations in this book are quite relevant throughout history, even in our day and time.Henry VIII defied the law of the church by pushing for permission to marry the widow of his deceased brother. He has now become heir to the thrown but doesn't have a wife. Henry knows what the scripture says in Leviticus 18:16 "Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy brother's wife." Yet he pushes the church anyway to grant his wish to marry Catherine, his brother's widow. The problem comes when Catherine is unable to bear him a male heir and he wants the marriage annulled so he can marry another woman who will bear him a son.The pressure is on Lord Chancellor, Sir Thomas More who is committed to the covenant of the church and morally he cannot agree to chang the rules back just to suit King Henry's desires. Thus, he is thrown into jail. During the only visit More was allowed to have, his family (his wife Alice, his daughter Margaret, and his son-in-law William Roper) comes to see him in prison. They plead with him to compromise his belief about the annulment, but he sticks with his commitment and sorrowfully asks them to leave and move out of town.Thomas Cromwell and The Duke of Norfolk who were supposed to be More's friends maliciously craft grounds to have More put on trial for treason. It was interesting to me that when Cromwell addressed the jury, trying to demonize More in order to support his argument for his conviction, he said this, "There's nothing like darkness for sharpening the ear, and we listen." He further made this comment in his commentary, "So silence can, according to circumstances, speak. Consider, now, the circumstances of the prisoner's silence."Immediately they had Sir Thomas More beheaded. Even though More knew his demise, he stuck to his conscious and commitment. This is a good, short read that draws you into the drama.

A modern description of a historical event, this play describes the tribulations of Sir Thomas More during the split between the Roman Catholic Church and the newly-formed Church of England. The play lays out the historical details clearly and articulately. The writing is engaging and accessible. Most importantly, the depiction of More is true to everything we know about his personality and morals.The fascinating part for me is More's approach to the law. There are some very memorable quotes in this play that anyone wanting to understand the law would do well to study. More's character lays out some deep questions about the nature of proof. His situation (and the eventual resolution of his case) illustrate the continuing tension between law as a pure exercise in reason and law as an instrument of state power. Enjoyable as the play is, it is a cautionary tale.Wonderful as the story is, Bolt's use of the Common Man and the frequent stage directions were a distraction to me - especially with all the hats. I understand the mood that Bolt was trying to set but whenever those parts of the play came around, they actually jolted me out of that mood.

As a community college student I believe this book would be an excellent addition to any list of political novels for required reading. Its theme is religious freedom, but it's also about government, and how too much power to the center can influence everyone's understanding of morality and values. Because King Henry the VIII said so, there were new definitions for marriage. Was he right? Most people now would say yes, but Thomas Moore speaks of objective truth and how it cannot be changed despite humanity willing it changed.If you're not into ethics, it's also a character study. Robert Bolt isn't/wasn't Catholic, so this isn't him gushing about a saint, but he did make Thomas Moore entirely admirable and yet human. He was primarily a man of the law, and when he defends himself in the play he always goes by the law, not religious sentiment, so you see the other courtly figures conspiring against him by rewriting the rules in their favor.I could not put this down. Keep the cast of characters list handy so you can follow along in the beginning, but I promise you'll find something to be drawn to. This is a classic.

It never fails: The books are always better than the movies. That is especially true in this case. It has been a while so even though I remembered the main story line, I'd forgotten a lot of the details which, of course, make it such an excellent read.If you're looking for crib notes material here, you've come to the wrong place. Many others have already provided a brief synopsis of the story line, as well as direct quotes. As with all good books you have to READ it to fully appreciate it.A Man for All Seasons is appropriately titled, and it is interesting how, in my opinion, it is much more applicable to today's society than to past generations. It is an excellent STORY for all seasons...and all generations.Now buy it and read it. It's an easy read with subtle nuances that you will definitely appreciate. You will not regret it.

a true saint for all ades

Happy with the speedy delivery since my child needed it the next day for school. Just NOT happy the book was damaged.

I actually appreciated the book format and its cover

Robert Bolt is at his best here with a truly thought-provoking piece of theatre. Ethics, morals, life without compromise. How stand up to the most powerful man/ruler in your life? Sir Thomas More did, and lost his head, but he is remembered for his upright ethos. In a Catholic world ruled by the Pope, how does Henry VIII divorce not only his wife, but the church's authority? And Who stands, morally and righteously intransigent? Sir Thomas. We know Henry is influenced by Martin Luther's writings but Sir Thomas is a staunch Catholic. Read the struggle here presented. Although fictional, it is based on actual letters and diarys.

L'avevo letto e tradotto con una mia nipote tanti anni fa, per il suo esame di maturità e ci eravamo divertite anche. Lo rileggo molto volentieri.

Used within our homeschool for Ambleside Online year 8. Adding in a play for the first term was a highlight for my students, and defiantly helped the material stick.The main character, Thomas Moore, being an advisior to King Henry the VIII, gave this historical time period an interesting perspective.

Very good book

It's a great play. The dialogues are amazing. It probably isn't a very accurate depiction of Saint Thomas Moore, but it does discuss the king's divorce and it is still very good theatre.

Many are familiar with this drama as a result of seeing the Oscar-laden movie version. Reading the play in no way disappoints. It is beautifully written, with several superlative scenes. More's meeting with Wolsey, and later with the King are models of dramatic writing. Robert Bolt wrote in crisp, clear English - the type of English that in an ideal world we would use everyday. It is a pleasure to read this play !