A Man for All Seasons essay

[sajib_mostofa]

Hey guys

Would anyone be able to critique me on my essay. Any feedback would be appreciated

Q. For all our admiration of More, it is the Cromwell’s of this world that reflects reality and is credible. Does the play support this reading?


If reality describes commonsense and truths, then the Cromwell’s of this world do indeed reflect reality in Robert Bolt’s play A Man for All Seasons. However, if credibility is defined as being worthy of respect, then the same thing cannot necessarily be said. While pragmatists such as Cromwell and Rich are reputable for their ability to survive and profit in the world they live in, it is their immoral acts that do not evoke respect. On the other hand, Thomas More’s adherence to his morals and steadfastness is worth admiration, even if the sacrifices he makes are not practical.

In Bolt’s play, the pragmatists such as Rich and Cromwell highlight the realities that exist within our world. From the outset, Rich desires to have the fortune of others as he wants ‘a gown’ like More. His yearning to be recognised in society kindles within him. He expresses dissatisfaction when More offers him the post of a teacher, instead enquiring that ‘If I was who would know it?’ Like Rich, Cromwell also wants to be successful in life, admitting that ‘It may be that I am a little intoxicated…but not with alcohol, with success!’The play also advocates that corruption is inevitable. Cromwell’s unending obedience to the King leads him to push the boundaries in order to fulfil his wishes. He unsuccessfully tries to accuse More of accepting bribes, labelling his scheme as ‘just a trial canter…we’ll find something better’. He is willing to stoop so low as to ‘finding the right law. Or making one’, in order to remain in favour.  Cromwell clearly follows his motto that ‘so much wickedness purchases so much worldly prospering’.  The importance of survival is also another reality brought up in Bolt’s play. Almost all the characters adhere to the proposition that it is better to be a ‘live rat than a dead lion’. More himself realises the importance of this ‘natural business’ when a new law is created that requires him to pledge to the Oath. The Common Man sees it as his main objective throughout the play to survive and he celebrates this in the alternative ending when he realises that he is still ‘breathing’.

While the play demonstrates a reality in the way pragmatists such as Rich are able to succeed in their various offices, it is their immoral, corrupt nature that detracts from a lack of admiration or trust of the audience. In this sense, they lack credibility. In order to remain expendable and in favour with King Henry, Cromwell manipulates the law to eliminate More. He believes that ‘Sir Thomas is a man’, though he later reneges. Instead he looks for a much more drastic measure to prove that his views of the King’s actions are treasonable.  His only obstacle is finding the right law but he also considers the option of ‘making one’, underlining the corrupt acts that he is willing to take to expedite the king’s work. Similarly, Rich also engages in immoral actions to attain a high office. Early in the play, he admits that ‘every man has his price’, believing that anyone can be tempted to abandon their principles, given that it comes at the right cost. He serves as Cromwell’s conspirator, providing him with ‘tidbits’ of information about More to become Collector of Revenues. His most wicked act can be seen in none other than the perjury he commits during More’s trial in order to become Attorney-General for Wales, which convicts More of High Treason.  More recognises Rich’s inability to resist temptation, showing pity for his ‘perjury than my peril’.

More on the other, shows that those who are naïve about the unscrupulous world they live in can be admirable and credible role models. The sacrifices he makes to preserve his sense of self are seen as foolish by everyone. His silence throughout the whole play leaves his supporters and enemies frustrated that they do not know the secrets of his heart. Cromwell needs More to pledge to the oath as ‘this silence of his is bellowing up and down Europe’ and leaving the King’s conscience at unease. Likewise, his family, especially Alice, do not see any logic to his silence as those seeking for his opinions will not ‘leave you here to learn to fish’. Although his stand is seen as unpractical, it is his bravery and courage to adhere to it that leaves his family as well as the audience full of respect for him. Right till the very end, his family plead with him to pledge to the Oath, though unsuccessfully. They finally accept his stand with Alice suggesting that ‘I don’t believe that this had to happen’ but understands him to be the ‘best man I’ve ever met’, even if she does not understand his motives for keeping his silence.

The Cromwell’s of this world may reflect the realities of the play but it is the credibility of their actions that are questionable. In their quest for survival and success, they commit immoral acts and lose their sense of self whereas More is able to remain steadfast in a world that slowly turns against him, making him one of the more credible characters in Bolt’s play.