A Man For All Seasons, a play by Robert Bolt, showcases the numerous traits that define friendship – unconditional loyalty, honesty, trust, and respect. Sir Thomas More embodies all of these qualities, exemplifying the essence of a genuine and upright individual. However, Richard Rich portrays divergent perspectives and lacks any semblance of friendship or loyalty.
Sir Thomas More is characterized as a loyal and honest man who possesses qualities of trust and generosity. His loyalty is demonstrated in his unwavering commitment to both God and King Henry VIII, navigating the boundaries between the two without compromise. The play highlights More’s steadfast loyalty to God, even when it results in his death due to his faith not being accepted. Despite the King’s establishment of a new Anglican religion, More remains a faithful Catholic, silently dissenting from the King’s decision out of respect and loyalty. His loyalty to the King is also evident in his refusal to open a letter from Chapuys, fearing that it would undermine his devotion to the monarch: “This is a letter from King Charles; I want you to see it’s not been opened. I have declined it. You see the seal has not been broken?” (Page 64).
More’s trust in the King is apparent as he believes that the King will not force him to make any decisions that he is not comfortable with. The King assures More, “Your conscience is your own affair; but you are my Chancellor! There, you have my word-I’ll leave you out of it. But I don’t take it kindly, Thomas, and I’ll have no opposition!…Lie low if you will, but I’ll tolerate no opposition- no words, no signs, no letters, no pamphlets – remember that, Thomas – no writings against me!” (Page 31).
More exemplified his generosity by giving Rich the silver goblet. He understood that if he kept it, it could potentially serve as evidence against him in a court of law. Instead of selling it for personal gain, More selflessly chose to bestow it upon Rich as a kind and generous gesture. More’s inclination to give was further evident when he extended an offer to Rich for the teaching position.
Richard Rich differs greatly from More in his values and priorities. Unlike More, Richard prioritizes material wealth and social status over moral principles and personal values. In contrast to More, Richard neglects the importance of friendship and loyalty; instead, he is solely driven by self-interest and financial gain.
He is a mercenary because all his actions aim to advance his own interests. He consistently prioritizes his own needs and desires above those of others. Despite being offered a respectable and honorable job as a teacher by More, Rich rejects it because he considers it meaningless and unimportant. He believes that there is no opportunity to earn substantial amounts of money with that job and that it would not enhance his social status to the extent he desires.
Rich manipulates More to gain power, pretending to be loyal and friendly to him for personal gain: A friend of Sir Thomas and still no office?
(Page 3). Even when More is facing execution, Rich refuses to recognize their friendship. He refuses to acknowledge or even think about the fact that More helped him, ultimately betraying him: He isn’t really my friend
(Page 21). He completely disregards any assistance More provided him with.
Rich’s focus is solely on material possessions rather than the essential aspects of life that should hold more importance, such as friendship, love, family, belief, and morals. His desperate desire for recognition leads him to betray his friendship with More and falsely testify against him. This deceitful act grants him the attention and status he craves, as he knows that if More is convicted, he can advance his own position. Rich’s lack of loyalty to More is evident throughout this ordeal. Despite the profound impact of Rich’s perjury and betrayal, he is rewarded with the prestigious title of Attorney-General for Wales, leaving More shocked that someone who could lie so openly could be appointed to such a position. As More expresses his disbelief, he laments, “For Wales? Why, Richard, its profits a man nothing to give his soul for the whole world…But for Wales-!” (Page 95).
The book A Man for All Seasons.
