Sir Thomas More: A Man of Honor

Treason

Betrayal of one's country or sovereign.

Oath of Supremacy

Declaration recognizing Henry VIII as head of the Church.

Tower of London

Historic castle used as a prison.

Utopia

Sir Thomas More's book on an ideal society.

Henry VIII

King of England who initiated the English Reformation.

Catherine of Aragon

First wife of Henry VIII, whose divorce sparked conflict.

Anne Boleyn

Second wife of Henry VIII, leading to church schism.

Lord Chancellor

Highest official in the English government under the king.

Fifteen months

Duration of Thomas More's imprisonment before trial.

Execution date

Sir Thomas was executed on July 6, 1535.

Hugh

Friend of Thomas More who sought to help him escape.

Faith

Thomas's religious conviction preventing him from signing the oath.

Public spectacle

Minimized display during Thomas More's execution.

Reputation for fairness

Thomas More's public image influencing his significance.

Trial verdict

Sir Thomas found guilty of treason by jury.

Religious reforms

Changes initiated by Henry VIII in the Church.

Martyrdom

Willingness to die for one's faith, exemplified by Thomas.

Papal disapproval

The Pope's rejection of Henry's divorce from Catherine.

Friendship with Hugh

Developed through legal representation in court.

Prison guards

Individuals Hugh persuaded to gain access to Thomas.

God's sake

Thomas's reasoning for refusing to sign the oath.

Literary masterpiece

Utopia's influence on European thought and society.

King's fury

Henry VIII's anger over Thomas's refusal to support divorce.