A Man For All Seasons, By Robert Bolt

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A Man For All Seasons, by Robert Bolt is a book about Thomas More. When the book begins Thomas is a well respected judge known for not taking bribes. As the book continues he is chosen as Chancellor of England. Thomas is a deeply spiritual man and all his decisions made are motivated by his beliefs. Thomas’s conscience is shown and the most important thing to Thomas is his love of God. The King of England, Henry VIII is seeking a divorce of his wife Catherine of Aragon. Pope Clement the VII refuses this annulment. Henry decides to split from the Church and form the Church of England. Thomas more does not agree with the split from the Roman Catholic Church but more importantly the split from the Pope. Thomas believes in the Apostolic …show more content…
Thomas More was able to see his downfall from a long way off, this did not however make it any less painful for him or his loved ones. Thomas More was unable to prevent his family life from falling apart. Thomas More refused to swear the oath ordered by the King. Refusing to swear the oath however, would not warrant his execution. Thomas would lawfully remain in prison for the rest of his life because the court could not prove that he was treasonous. Thomas would not say why he would not swear he simply would not. As Thomas lets the court know after he is finally sentenced, he will not swear because “The King in Parliament cannot bestow the Supremacy of the Church because it is a Spiritual Supremacy” (p. 159)! And he will not break his conscience just for the sake of following the King. Thomas More’s family comes to visit him while he is in prison and they attempt to persuade him to swear the oath. They tell him that he has done enough and has made clear his belief on the King's marriage. More tells his family that he may have done enough in reason but “It is not a matter of reason; finally it’s a matter of love” (p. 141). Thomas is willing to separate himself from his family and his loved ones because of his belief in God. By doing this Thomas is also putting his family at risk, he can no longer provide for his wife Alice and …show more content…
Thomas More not only took seriously his relationship with God, he took seriously his relationship with England and her people. Thomas More as the commissioner and former judge came into contact with a plentitude of people. He judged many cases and met with numerous people in the aristocracy. Thomas had a personal relationship with the king and was considered a close friend “Thomas, stay friends with him” (p. 59). Thomas shows his loyalty to the king in two main scenarios. Thomas shows his loyalty to the king by refusing a letter from Spain being delivered by Chapuys. Thomas, as a loyal subject to the king, is responsible to deliver all letters delivered to him to the king. Thomas considers himself one of the most loyal subjects to the king. Thomas More puts his love of God above all in his life. This decision to put God first dictates all his decisions the most important of which is his unwillingness to swear to the oath. The King knows that Thomas is well respected for his good reputation as a judge and as Chancellor. The king needed Thomas to either fully support him or for Thomas to be killed. Thomas resigning as Chancellor ended his relationship with the king. Thomas was eventually tried and killed as a traitor, meaning he was disloyal to the king and betrayed his country. Thomas was willing to forfeit all he
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