Robert Bolt's A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS Study Guide

This set of flashcards covers the historical figures, characters, and key terminology found in the transcript of Robert Bolt's play 'A Man for All Seasons.'

Robert Bolt

The playwright (1924-1995) whose reputation rests largely on historical dramas and screenplays like Lawrence of Arabia and Dr Zhivago.

Sir Thomas More

Lord Chancellor of England and a man of 'angel's wit and singular learning'; he enters a fatal struggle to keep his conscience inviolate against King Henry VIII.

The Common Man

A character in black tights who delineates various roles including Matthew the Steward, a Boatman, a Publican, a Jailer, and the Foreman of the Jury.

King Henry VIII

A young, athletic, and graceful sovereign who seeks to divorce Catherine of Aragon to marry Anne Boleyn, eventually breaking with the Catholic Church.

Thomas Cromwell

A subtle and serious administrator described as an 'intellectual bully' who acts as 'The King's Ear' and orchestrates the downfall of Sir Thomas More.

Richard Rich

An academic hounded by self-doubt who eventually perjures himself to become Attorney-General for Wales in exchange for providing evidence against More.

Duke of Norfolk

A heavy, active sportsman and soldier who is a friend to More but prioritizes his minimal code of conventional duty to the King.

Alice More

Sir Thomas More's wife; a brave, hot-hearted woman from the merchant class who worships her husband and society.

Margaret More

More's beautiful daughter and a brilliant scholar who shares a deep intellectual and spiritual bond with her father.

Cardinal Wolsey

The previous Lord Chancellor with 'megalomaniac ambition' who died in 1530 after failing to secure the King's divorce.

William Roper

Margaret's husband; a man of 'all consuming rectitude' whose religious views shift passionately between Catholicism and Lutheranism.

Signor Chapuys

The Spanish Ambassador and professional diplomat who attempts to recruit More to represent the interests of King Charles of Spain.

Thomas Cranmer

The Archbishop of Canterbury who treats theology as a set of administrative devices and assists the King in his divorce.

Act of Supremacy

The legislation declaring the King the 'Supreme Head of the Church in England,' which More refuses to swear an oath to support.

High Treason

The capital charge for which both Cardinal Wolsey and later Sir Thomas More are accused of by the State.

The Great Harry

A thousand-ton, four-masted ship launched at Deptford, which the King personally piloted while wearing cloth of gold.

Alienation effect

A theatrical style used by Brecht and adopted by Bolt to enable the audience to deepen their involvement by distancing themselves from the action.

Leviticus 18

The biblical text Henry VIII cites to argue that his marriage to his brother's widow was a 'state of sin' and therefore null.

Catherine Anger

A woman from Lincoln who provided the silver cup that was later used as evidence of a bribe against More in the Court of Requests.

1st July 1960

The date 'A Man for All Seasons' was first presented at the Globe Theatre in London, starring Paul Scofield.

A man for all seasons

A description of Sir Thomas More written by Robert Whittinton in 1520, referencing his learning, gentleness, and mirth.

The Loyal Subject

The name of the pub where Cromwell and Richard Rich meet to conspire against Sir Thomas More.