Paying close attention to two scenes from "A Man For All Seasons", consider how Bolt presents the character of Sir Thomas More and how he dramatises the symbolic clash between morality and expediency.

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Paying close attention to two scenes from “A Man For All Seasons”, consider how Bolt presents the character of Sir Thomas More and how he dramatises the symbolic clash between morality and expediency.

Morality is the sense of right and wrong and is shown through Sir Thomas More. Expediency is doing whatever is necessary to get what you want, quickly, shown through Wolsey and Cromwell.

In the Robert Bolt play of “A Man For All Seasons” Bolt uses the figure of Sir Thomas More and shows him as to dramatise the feud between morality and expediency, which is the theme of the play. Sir Thomas More resists the many attempts by a number of characters in a series of confrontations, whose own self-centred expedience is plenty for them, to induce him to abnegate his moral conscience and accept their wishes. When the push comes to shove, Sir Thomas More is extirpated as he failed to coincide with them and in due course results in their own failure too, but Bolt uncovers much on the complexion of true and real statesmanship in the scenes which the altercations take place in, as opposed to expedient politics.

        Bolt presents Sir Thomas More in such a way that it contrasts greatly to show just how subtle, unscrupulous and even dangerous the politicians in the play are, Thomas Wolsey, Thomas Cromwell, even king Henry VIII, to name a few. Throughout the play Sir Thomas More is shown to be conscientious, taking a great deal of care over his words and what he says as if a single treasonable word comes out of his mouth, it might have grave repercussions for him.

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        Sir Thomas More was a devout catholic and was also one of the best lawyers in the country around his time. More importantly Sir Thomas More was an honest man and also known to be honest. In the play Sir Thomas More represents the morality in politics, his conscience, piety, honesty and integrity. He consistently shows these qualities in the altercations with king Henry VIII, Thomas Wolsey and Thomas Cromwell. In these interviews Sir Thomas More remains constant and therefore his position does not vary, as he is extremely clever. The expedient, opposing characters in the play have to adopt ...

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