Bolts a Man For All Seasons: Reasons For A Persons Actions :: essays research papers

Bolts "A Man For All Seasons" Reasons for A Persons Actions     Reading about individuals whose ways of spirit atomic number 18 dramatically differentfrom our own provides readers with fresh insights into their own experiences andideas. A reader of A Man for All Seasons, by Robert Bolt, whitethorn non be accustomedto the actions of the plays characters. Though, it is important to figure outand understand wherefore the character reacts or acts as he/she does. This enablesthe reader to have a new or modified outlook on his/her own actions. If unrivalledturns the kaleidoscope of his/her life just a little, the world becomes adifferent place.     Sir doubting Thomas More lived the type of life that is foreign to mankindy readers.Mores actions were all ground upon two things, his scruples and God. WhenMore is being pressured into signing the whammy by Norfolk in the name offellowship, he replies by understanding, " And when we stand before God, and you aresent to Paradise for doing according to your conscience, and I am damned for notdoing according to mine, will you come with me for fellowship?"(77). He adheresto his philosophy and conscience, sagacious that he will inevitably be executed.One who is reading this may reply by thinking Mores decision was asinine. Thereader may take that life is the greatest value to man, and to place anythingabove it would be asinine. Mores demeanour was bizarre even to his own timeperiod. His daughter, Margaret, pleaded for him to sign the oath, "Then saythe words of the oath and in your heart think otherwise"(81). Her draw couldnot morally be satisfied by this. More believed that when an oath is taken, oneis placing his pledging his egotism and soul. " When a man takes an oath, Meg,hes holding his own self in his own hands. And if he opens his fingers then-he neednt hope to find himself over again"(81).     On the other hand , Richard Richs actions were not based upon conscienceor morality. He would sacrifice his friends life in order to receive a dividing lineoffer. After Rich testifies, and More learns that Rich was appointed Attorney-General for Wales, he is full of disgust and disbelief when he says, " ForWales? Why, Richard, it profits a man nothing to give his soul for theworld.....But for Wales"(92). Rich can be portrayed as the lowest of lifeforms. More implies that Rich abandoned his conscience to have a title, whichin the whole scheme of things is really insignificant. On that day of judgment,