id be super grateful if i could get some criticism and a mark out of 10 on this essay. it wasnt done to time, more like me struggling to write a bit while watching tv and wasting time here lol
but id appreciate some guidance. i really cant seem to write at the moment, and i feel like this makes no sense lol gaaaar. i havnt read through it because im so effing sick of it i cant stand reading through it haha
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Society in Robert Bolt?s A Man for All Seasons is portrayed as ultimately corrupt, where convenience and political expediency are valued above morality, and where those such as Cromwell and Rich flourish in their ruthless quests for self-gain at any cost. However Bolt suggests to us that upholding one?s values and sense of self in such circumstances, as does Sir Thomas More, represents a more honorable life, despite making for a relatively lower chance of survival.
Bolt?s A Man for All Seasons represents a society where practicality and convenience reign, where physical success is achieved by those who are void of morality and willing to compromise their integrity. Cromwell assumes a Machiavellian approach to life, and is well aware of the realities of life in a corrupt society. He can be described as virtually amoral, and believes there are ?no rules?, rather a system where ?so much wickedness purchases so much worldly prospering.? Unlike Sir Thomas More?s steadfast belief in the sanctity of the law, Cromwell views the law as a tool that can be molded and modified for the achievement of ?administrative convenience.? Cromwell stops not only at ?finding the right law? to charge Sir Thomas More, but is equally willing to ?[make] one? if necessary to achieve convenience, regardless of whether or not it represents the truth, in a corrupt society.
Those without a strong sense of morality and commitment to values are quick to ?lose [their] innocence? in a corrupt society such as that in A Man for All Seasons, betraying themselves and those around them. The moral weakness of Richard Rich is perceived towards the start of the play by Sir Thomas More, with him suggesting that Rich should ?go where he won?t be tempted?, and take a job in teaching. Yet Rich refuses to become a teacher, lamenting ?But who would know it?? when More suggests he would make a fine teacher. He demonstrates an overriding ambition for self gain of status and wealth, and is unwilling to suppress his greed for recognition. Rich struggles to turn down the opportunities for self advancement that present themselves in such a corrupt society, despite the need to ignore morality and betray his friends in order to do so. His lack of conviction and moral grounding is conveyed through his readyness to shift his position and views in order to best advance himself. Despite his pleas to Sir Thomas More for help, and his insistence that he?d ?much rather [More?s] than [Cromwell?s], Rich is quick to downplay his friendship with More when he senses that it is of disadvantage to him, assuring Cromwell that ?he isn?t really my friend..? The corrupt society portrayed by Bolt in the play submits the characters to circumstances which test their moral fibre, and ultimate those ?adrift? such as Rich without strong values betray themselves for self-gain.
There are often those that act under the guise of morality and religious values, but who, facing the realities of a corrupt society, do not hesitate to disregard them for the sake of convenience. Spanish Ambassador Chapuys presents himself as a man of great religious values fighting against the corrupt Cromwell and the divorce. He warns the Common Man that ?no man can serve two masters,? yet ultimately he himself is more concerned with his political agenda through acting in the King of Spain?s interests, while claiming to uphold the interests and values of the Church. The knowing smile shared between Cromwell and Chapuys in the final scene of the play ultimately demonstrates their similarities, both driven by political convenience and corrupt principles.
Ultimately, Bolt conveys to us that staying true to ourselves and upholding our values, despite difficult circumstances, is a more admirable and honorable kind of behavior. Sir Thomas More navigates the challenges he is faced with in a corrupt society while remaining true to himself and his conscience. He expresses his belief in the of need of a man to ?[hold] his own self in his own hands.? More?s loyalty to the King is profound, yet he maintains that there is ?a little area where [he] must rule [himself].? Where this small area comes into conflict with a corrupt political climate and a society built on convenience, More strength is unwavering, and he finds himself unable to and unwilling to suppress the values which define him. Not values ever changing around the ?constant factor? of a corrupt society, but rather his commitment to his sense of self being the ?constant factor?, despite corrupt and difficult circumstances. Ultimately, his refusal to betray his own being results in his death, yet Bolt paints More?s steadfast commitment to his beliefs as a more honourable and genuine path than taken by others in the play.
Bolt?s A Man for All Seasons presents us with a corrupt society in which those willing to sacrifice their values, and betray their consciences in order to achieve physical success and self gain flourish. Yet Bolt demonstrates the importance of staying true to one?s personal values despite the challenges that such a society can present, even if death, such as for Sir Thomas More, is ultimately the outcome. However Bolt does not encourage simply acting in the name of values labelled as right, despite whether or not one genuinely believes in them, as does Chapuys. Conversely, he demonstrates the importance of upholding the beliefs that underpin one?s self, that if sacrified leave the person with little hope of ever ?[finding] themselves again.?
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thanks!
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