Sir Thomas More the Martyr Essay -- essays research papers

The definition of a martyr is a person who willingly suffers devastation rather than renounce his or her religion. When Sir doubting doubting Thomas more than died in July of 1535, he became a martyr. In the play A spell for All Seasons, author Robert Bolt shows us his views on how much came to his finis . In this play, Thomas Cromwell, ampleard Rich, nance Henry VIII, and Sir Thomas More himself ar responsible for his death. Although it could be argued that art objecty more people in Sir Thomas Mores life had a part in impart to his death, these four characters had the greatest part in eventually bringing him to his death. any(prenominal) people may say that Cromwell and Rich were and pawns in the Kings plot, besides they cant possibly argue that they werent in control of their actions. Cromwell and Rich be essentially responsible for the lowest prosecution of More. Together, they atomic number 18 guilty of letting their inner want and compulsion for power cloud th eir consciences, which led them to bring floor a unafraid man of Thomas More. More, being a smart man, could beat them in a court of law. Rather than fighting More with the law, Rich and Cromwell distinct to break it. Rich lied under oath sending More to his deathbed, and he responded, I am sorrier for your perjury than my peril(156). Cromwell, in his ask for power, saw a doorway of opportunity where he could bring down More and in the process benefit his own social and economic status. As More stated, Silence gives consent (152) and Cromwells silence during Richs illegitimate testimony makes him an accessory to the crime and therefore just as guilty as Rich. Together, Rich and Cromwell are partners in the crime, whether they are accomplices to King Henry or for their own reasons. Either way, they are tranquil responsibl... ...and, I dont believe this had to happen(144). At least(prenominal) twice Sir Thomas More made poor choices and put himself into mischievous situation s in the play, which ultimately took him closer and closer to his death.Sir Thomas More neer had to die. He was the only person that really understood the implications that complying with the Kings desires would cause and yet he still ended up in the most undesirable position one could imagine. Many people caused the death of Sir Thomas More in A Man for All Seasons, however those that are most guilty are King Henry, Thomas Cromwell, Richard Rich, and Sir Thomas More. Who of these is most guilty is a matter of opinion, but that these people are truly and completely guilty of ending Sir Thomas Mores life is a fact. From King to commoner each of these people vie a vital role in the destruction of one mans honest and righteous life.