AgentMask14757
Select one quotations from A Man for All Seasons Part Two ….
Select one quotations from A Man for All Seasons Part Two. and explain the context of the quotation and the significance of the quotation as it relates to one of the following: theme, character, or a literary device.
Also comment on two other student responses. When commenting on another student’s response do not comment on a quote that you have already discussed. At the completion of this discussion, you should have commented upon, and discussed, three different quotations.
You will need to make at least three high quality posts in this Discussion thread.
When responding to classmates, please think of the following points:
You may say that you agree with what a peer has posted, and then repeat what has been posted. However, this type of “I agree with you” post is not a high quality post.
To achieve a high quality response, you should be able to make a reference to the text and to agree or disagree with your peer – based on your reference to the text (in this case, A Man for All Seasons) or to a secondary source. By making another reference to the text or a secondary source, you are building on what your colleague has stated. The minimum requirement is two responses to colleagues. You are more than welcome to make more than two responses.
Quotes for Part Two:
CROMWELL (As to an importunate child) Whatever’s necessary. The King’s a man of conscience and he wants either Sir Thomas More to bless his marriage or Sir Thomas More destroyed. Page 45
NORFOLK And who are you? Goddammit, man, it’s disproportionate! We’re supposed to be the arrogant ones, the proud, splenetic ones-and we’ve all given in! Why must you stand out? (Quietly and quickly) You’ll break my heart. Page 46
COMMON MAN They’d let him out if they could, but for various reasons they can’t. (Twirling keys) I’d let him out if I could but I can’t. Not without taking up residence in there myself. And he’s in there already, so what’d be the point? You know the old adage? “Better a live rat than a dead lion,” and that’s about it. Page 48
COMMON MAN (An envelope descends swiftly before him. He opens it and reads) “With reference to the old adage: Thomas Cromwell was found guilty of High Treason and executed on 28 July, I 54o. Norfolk was found guilty of High Treason and should have been executed on 27 January, 1547, but on the night of 26 January, the King died of syphilis and wasn’t able to sign the warrant. Page 48
MORE (Moved) 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? Page 50
MORE Some men think the Earth is round, others think it flat; it is a matter capable of question. But if it is flat, will the King’s command make it round? And if it is round, will the King’s command flatten it? No, I will not sign. Page 50
MORE When a man takes an oath, Meg, he’s holding his own self in his own hands. Like water. (He cups his hands) And if he opens his fingers then-he needn’t hope to find himself again. Some men aren’t capable of this, but I’d be loathe to think your father one of them. Page 53
During this the JAILER takes off jailer’s coat, throws it off, takes o ff the small chair and moves armchair to the center. Moves the table under the stairs. He brings on the jury bench, takes hats from the basket and puts them on poles with a juryman’s hat, takes jailer’s hat off head and puts it on a pole. Seven are plain gray hats, four are those worn by the STEWARD, BOATMAN, INNKEEPER and JAILER. And the last is another of the plain gray ones. Page 56
MORE (With some o f the academic’s impatience for a shoddy line o f reasoning) Not so, Master Secretary, the maxim is “qui tacet consentire.” (Turns t0 COMMON MAN) The maxim of the law is (Very carefully) “Silence gives consent.” If, therefore, you wish to construe what my silence “betokened,” you must construe that I consented, not that I denied. Page 58
CROMWELL Sir Richard is appointed Attorney-General for Wales. MORE (Looking into RICH’S face, with pain and amusement) For Wales? Why, Richard, it profits a man nothing to give his soul for the whole world . . . But for Wales! (Exit RICH, stiff-faced, but infrangibly dignified) Page 60
COMMON MAN (Comes to the center o f the stage, having taken off his mask) I’m breathing . . . Are you breathing too? . . . It’s nice, isn’t it? It isn’t difficult to keep alive, friendsjust don’t -make trouble-or if you must make trouble, make the sort of trouble that’s expected. Well, I don’t need to tell you that. Good night. If we should bump into one another, recognize me. (He exits) Page 61
RESPONDING TO THESE CLASSMATES:
2. NORFOLK And who are you? Goddammit, man, it’s disproportionate! We’re supposed to be the arrogant ones, the proud, splenetic ones-and we’ve all given in! Why must you stand out? (Quietly and quickly) You’ll break my heart. Page 46
This quotation is said in a conversation between Norfolk and Sir Thomas More. Norfolk tells More that he is a dangerous man to know and everyone in town is avoiding him for their own safety. More simply tells Norfolk to forget about him. Norfolk explains it is not that simple, as he is very fond of More. More states that their friendship is changeable, but his relationship with God is not. Then Norfolk pleads with More, as seen in this quotation.
This quotation is important as it shows the severity of the situation. More has become a liability for all, most importantly his friends. Even though this is the case, More sees no sense in changing his views for friendships. This provides readers further insight about More’s future, as even with a pleading friend at his feet More will not break his outlook on the situation.
This quotation is significant as it provides insight into Norfolk’s character. This quote shows how deeply Norfolk cares for his friend, Sir Thomas More. He explains he is supposed to be spiteful, arrogant, and strong in opinion. Instead, he has given in as his life is more important. Norfolk’s character proves to be logical. He knows that no matter what King Henry VIII will eventually get his way, so Norfolk must adjust with the times. His character shows he understands More’s opinion. However, he does not want to see Sir Thomas More die. Norfolk pleads genuinely, “You’ll break my heart” (Bolt 46). This quotation represents Norfolk’s rational, caring, and protective character.
MORE (Moved) 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? Page 50
This quote is part of a conversation between Sir Thomas More and the Duke of Norfolk. The Duke is attempting to convince More to support the king in his divorce so he can keep his position and avoid conflict. However, More ignores his arguments and remains strong in his principles and beliefs.
This quote uses literary devices such as irony and rhetoric. The question More asks the Duke is ironic because it is challenging the Duke’s loyalty and brings to light how hypocritical his position is. The Duke says that More should prioritize his personal well-being over his morals, while More asks if it is worth it considering the price he would have to pay, and if the Duke is willing to pay that price aswell. The Duke, however, will not have betrayed his personal concious, but is instead asking More to do so. The irony emphasizes the moral complexity of the situation and asks the audience to question the choices of the characters.
Themes this quote is related to include morals and integrity. Mores unwavering belief in his morals, even in the face of damnation from the king, emphanzies how strong willed his character is. He is willing is put aside worldly gain to prioritize his spiritual belief, once again deepening the characters personal morals and integrity.
One thing I am curious about is why More says the Duke will go to heaven since he has not broken his concious. Is he implying that if someone does something wrong it is okay as long as they do not believe they are doing wrong? If you’re responding to my post I’m curoius what you think about this so please answer 🙂
