From the play A man for all seasons A. During the trial of Sir...

From the play A man for all seasons

A.

During the trial of Sir Thomas More, he says that "Death... comes for us all...even for Kings," but that this "send[s] them [and us] to a judgment...whereof at their death their success is uncertain." (p. 150) What does More mean by "success" here? Does he think of death (and life) in more than one way? Explain.

 

After this, the Duke of Norfolk says to him, "Your life lies in your own hands, Thomas, as it always has."(p.151) Is this true or false? Was his execution just or unjust? Could it have been avoided or averted? If so, how? If not, why not? Who is responsible for Thomas More's execution? Does your life lie in your own hands? Explain all of your answers as fully as you can.

 

 

B.

A Man For All Seasons opens with the character of the Common Man. What makes this man "common"? (I.e., what does he have in common with so many other men?) Why do you think the play does begin with this character? What is the significance of this Common Man playing so many different roles within the play? In light of the "common" characteristics of the Common Man, what characteristics might an uncommon man (or woman) have? Who in the play is an uncommon man or woman? Explain your answers