Robert Bolt “A Man for All Seasons”: Corruption Theme Essay

Introduction

‘A Man for All Seasons written by Robert Bolt is considered to be a prominent play, reflecting the atmosphere and life in England in the 16th century through parallelism to the modern era. The author managed to demonstrate the idea of legal and moral interaction, political and religious contradiction based on corruption, the central theme of the play. He reflected the rise and fall of his protagonist Thomas More showing strong social hierarchy and political pressure of the period he lived in. It is necessary to underline the fact that Bolt focused on the character’s experience disclosing spiritual, political, and mental corruption promoted in the society of that period.

Historical background

The 16th century was a period of political conflict and corruption in England; the theme is presented through the statesman Thomas More who is considered to participate in the struggle between the state and the church. Being a man of principles, it is necessary to suffer isolation from common opinion influence and general thought promotion. More’s complicated political campaign stands for truth as an inspiring light; nevertheless, the refusal to compromise the principles resulted in the struggle against the whole world. The author managed to underline the idea that Thomas More was eager to lose everything to reach wit and truth for English political development.

“Why, Richard, it profits a man nothing to give his soul for the whole world…. But for Wales!” (Bolt, p. 95).

The truth is presented against power based on political leaders’ desire to be at the head of the state and dictate their regulations and standards for society. Rich’s rise causing More’s fall is the phenomenon of wit and just dissolving for corruption prosperity. The author managed to show that the new leader never protested England’s corruption, though his power and Crown corrupted him (Innes, p. 115).

The play discloses mental corruption through Thomas More’s desire to make light of different threats and dangerous situations, though his disapproval of the king’s intentions, has always been oppressed and ignored. The author strived to represent the theme through the concept ‘silent’ underlining the fact, that expressing no opinion and personal considerations helped More to protect the family from US legal prosecution. Mental corruption was vividly expressed throughout the play, being overcome by listening to inner voice and conscience, connecting with the idea of the necessity to serve and listen to God, to avoid mental limitations and pressure on the part of social unity (Odell-Scott, p.114).

Pragmatic vision

Moral and spiritual approaches appeared to be described through pragmatic vision; More’s principles and moral standards were considerably contradicting for the 16th century. It is necessary to underline the fact that the author disclosed a considerable dilemma between the character’s loyalty to King, conscience, and religious scruples.

“And when we stand before God, and you are sent to Paradise for doing according to your conscience, and I am damned for not doing according to mine, will you come with me, for fellowship?” (Bolt, p. 78).

The pressure of moral and legal rights, as well as spiritual aesthetic about pragmatic one, was centralized based on political dominance and religious debates.

Conclusion

The analysis of the play ‘A Man for All Seasons, written by Robert Bolt managed to demonstrate the highlight of corruption theme through political, mental, moral, and spiritual aspects. The author disclosed state debates and inner contradictions developed by social order and norm regulations characterizing England in the 16th century.

References

1. Bolt, Robert. ‘A Man for All Seasons’. Vintage. 1990.
2. Innes, C. Modern British Drama: the twentieth century. Cambridge University Press. 2002.
3. Odell-Scott, D. Democracy and religion: free exercise and diverse visions. Kent State University Press, 2004.