A Man For All Seasons

The characters in A Man for All Seasons appear in several works of historical fiction. Compare and contrast the depiction of characters like More, Thomas Cromwell, and Cardinal Wolsey in this play and another work, such as Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel or the television series The Tudors (2007-2010).

More is famous for writing Utopia, which is both a political and philosophical treatise and a work of fiction. Read Utopia and analyze it within the context of this play. How can you connect the ideas presented in Utopia with the version of More that Robert Bolt presents?

The political and religious landscape in England during the Reformation was complex. Whether you are Catholic, Protestant, or neither, consider how you might have felt about King Henry VIII’s choice to found the Church of England. Write an essay defending your position.

The Common Man is quite an unusual character in the play. In your own words, and with reference to Bertolt Brecht’s philosophy of theater, discuss the importance and impact of this character on the play.

Several characters point out to More that he could continue to live if he were willing to put his principles aside. Why do you think More does not choose to accept this option?

Several people who were very important during this time period in England do not appear in A Man for All Seasons. Write an essay detailing the actions of individuals like Catherine of Aragon or Anne Boleyn during the events of the play.

This play is set in the 1500s but was written in the 1950s and ‘60s. Can you see any historical biases that connect the play to the time period it was written? How do these biases impact the play’s depiction of the Tudor Era?

Chapuys is the Spanish ambassador in A Man for All Seasons. He does not want King Henry VIII to be granted a divorce from Catherine of Aragon. With reference to the play and your own historical research, explain why Chapuys holds this opinion and what a divorce meant for Spain and the Holy Roman Empire.