One of the main reasons that Robert Bolt probably chose 16th century Thomas More as his hero for A Man for all Seasons was that he liked his personality. By that I mean that as Bolt wrote about More, he discovered more and more things that he found admirable about the man. At the outset, Robert Bolt was looking for a person who had a strong idea of who he is because this is what Bolt thinks is necessary to be a hero and this is exactly the type of man that Thomas More is. More saw

Stepping down from the larger aspects of the 16th century. Bolt would have used Thomas More as his hero because of the sheer amount of things that More had to think about because they make an astounding account of one man's quest to live in an era that is so very different than he. One of the things that more has to think about that creates tension is the well being of his daughter, Margaret. He loves her very much and sees that she cares about Will Roper but he can't allow her to marry him because Roper keeps changing his perception of himself, generally going to the opposite of everyone else. So when is married, he may change his mind and get tired of Margaret, and potentially hurt her. "MORE: ...And I'll hide my daughter with me! Not hoist her up the mainmast of your seagoing principles! They put about too nimbly!"(P39) he is telling Roper as such so that he might work to convince More that he is able to make the commitment. The reason why More has so much say on this is because in the 16th century, the parents still have the final say in the marriages of their children. "NORFOLK: You read it? Amazing girl, Thomas, but where are you going to find a husband for her?" (P7) Yet another of the many reasons why the 16th century made for such a fine setting.

Is there any way to do a play such as this in the 20th century? Evidently, Robert Bolt thought not and after analysing the story further, I have come to realise that he is right. The elements of the story, which were present in the 16th century, are not present in the 20th. There also may have been no one in this century that Robert Bolt liked enough and with the right characteristics. And of course, there is not enough conflict for one man to face as there was in that time. I believe that there are men (And women.) who would be able to face the problems that Thomas More had to face but we can all be thankful that there is no need for it.

Another source of conflict is between Thomas More and himself. Thomas More is torn between his life and his afterlife, represented by the King versus the Church on the matter of the divorce. This divorce is the main conflict in the 16th century and the main conflict in this book as well. This conflict between body and spirit alone shows the author that he should use a 16th century man as his hero. "HENRY: Was he? Was he so? (Rises) then why did he fail me? Be seated-it was villainy then! Yes villainy. I was right to break him; he was all pride, Thomas; a proud man; pride right through. And he failed me!" (P30) This is showing More that the alternative to doing what the Kin asks is death. "MORE (Eagerly): Then why does your grace need my poor support?" (P32) Thomas is doing his best to get out of the task but the King will have what he wants. King Henry replies, "HENRY: becaus

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Approximate Word count = 1879
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)