pragmatism vs. idealism (a man for all seasons)

A detailed Summary of pragmatism vs. idealism (a man for all seasons)

Morality is often overpowered by materialistic pursuits. In "A Man for All Seasons",Robert Bolt shows the corruption of those who put self interest above all other values. His use of such characters as Thomas Cromwell, Richard Rich, Chapuys and Wolsey help convey this

corruption. There is yet another character who is a pragmatist that Bolt successfully represents. Thomas More is an idealist as well as a pragmatist, for he is prepared to give up everything for his beliefs and takes all precautions possible to make his case "watertight". It is through this pragmatism and idealism that Robert Bolt shows the corruption of the times.

Thomas More believed in his ideals to such an extent that he was prepared to sacrifice his life for them, if the need arrived. He was a firm believer in the separation of Church and State. When the King tried to start the reformation of England and the Church by a simple Act of Parliament called the Act of Supremacy, Thomas refused to sign it. He believed that the indictment of the King was "grounded in an Act of Parliament which is directly repugnant to law

of God. The King in Parliament cannot bestow he Supremacy of the Church because it is a Spiritual Supremacy! And more to this the imm

he may be putting himself in danger he becomes "deaf, blind and dumb", for he says "I am a

it, symbolically meaning his status and position. Cromwell is another scavenger who is a

invitation to God to act as a witness as well as a judge and the consequence of a perjury was damnation. He is a man who is "anchored to his principles" (Bolt, p.36). The issue is not about what other people see his beliefs as but "not that I believe it, but that I believe it..."(Bolt, p.53). He needs to be true to his conscience and cannot let other people interfere with these decisions, for when he faces his creator it is he alone who will answer Him. "In matters of conscience, the loyal subject is more bounded to be loyal to his conscience than to any other thing"(Bolt, p.89) Even towards his tragic end he is so sure of his righteousness that he advises the headsman to "be not afraid of your office. You send me to God. He will not refuse one who is to blithe to go to him" (Bolt, p.94) Thus, it becomes clear that Thomas alone possess the "moral squint" that no other character possesses in the play.

Yorkshire, thus proving his loyalty to the King and protecting himself. On Chapuys' second arrival, he offers More a letter from the King of Spain, he doesn't lay a finger on it, for then he

down. At the end, Richard gets what he wants. He wanted a gown like Thomas' and now he has

society, for at that time the upper class were extremely corrupt. It is through this idealism that

reports any statements made by More, he will be given 50 guineas he is tempted. But later, he

private conscience for the sake of their public duties... they lead their country by a short route to chaos." His idealism is clearly shown in his refusal to take the oath for the oath to him was an

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 2313
Approximate Pages = 9 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English