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KEY FACTS
Title
A Man for All Seasons
Author
Robert Bolt
Date Published
1960
Meaning of the Title
Sir Thomas More was a multi-faceted man. Also, he would be a good
addition to any age.
Setting
England during the reign of King Henry VIII
Genre
Historical drama (satirical)
Protagonist
Sir Thomas More
Antagonist
The main antagonist is Thomas Cromwell. Richard Rich, The Duke of
Norfolk, and Alice are minor antagonists.
Mood
Suspenseful, has a feeling of impending doom. Foreboding and ominous.
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Narrator
The play is narrated by The Common Man, who talks at various points.
Tense
Present
Point of View
The play’s point of view seems to be that of The Common Man, who
talks to us at various points during the play. His point of view is finally
spelled out in the last few lines of the play. “It isn’t difficult to
keep alive, friends-just don’t make trouble-or if you must make trouble,
make the sort of trouble that’s expected.” However, as the story is presented,
many of us are left with a different point of view, that Sir Thomas More’s
approach to life is better. Sir Thomas protected his conscience with his
life.
Rising Action
The rising action is when More is called to meet with Cardinal Wolsey
who attempts to get More to sign a letter to the Pope requesting his help
in dissolving the royal marriage between Henry and Catherine.
Exposition
The exposition is when Alice and the Duke of Norfolk discuss the
falcon and the heron. The birds and their actions represent what will
take place during the play. And, More’s following remarks attempt to minimize
the seriousness of the tale, just as he attempts to minimize the seriousness
of the situation in which he finds himself.
Climax
More is condemned to death and finally tells everyone what his real
opinions are.
Outcome
Sir Thomas More is beheaded.
Major Theme
Be true to what you believe.
Minor Themes
No man can serve two masters. Every man has his price.
VOCABULARY
Adamantine - unyielding
Farrier - blacksmith
Publican - a keeper of an inn or tavern
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