The Nature Of The Common Man In A Man For All Seasons

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Humanity is cursed with morality. Immoral behavior is seen in humans throughout history. In A Man for All Seasons, the common man plays several different characters throughout the course of the play, exhibiting key traits all humans possess. As the only omniscient character in the play, he also acts as the narrator, giving additional information to help explain the outcome of the play. The common man acts as a representation of the common humanity in all people. Robert Bolt uses the common man in A Man for All Seasons to demonstrate how all men are immoral at their base. He portrays this through the common man’s greed for money, his manipulative manner, and his disregard of others.
The need to survive is implanted in every man. Having shelter and food is a fundamental need for all humans, but the Common Man, like so many others, takes the immoral approach to gaining these. This is shown when he asks Cromwell for a bribe by saying, “‘I expect you’ll make it worth my while, sir.’” (25)
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This disregard for those who have helped him is a trait that is completely immoral. With no regard for those around him, the Common Man lives life with only his self interest in mind. This is an unfortunate trait commonly seen in humanity. This disregard is repeatedly shown throughout the play, for instance when he refused to help More while he was in jail, “‘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.” (127) The Common Man would never put someone else’s needs before his own, selfishly leaving More to a doomed fate. Despite how fair More treated him, when faced with a pay cut, he left with no remorse. It is in human nature to survive, and many would pay any price to ensure their safety as the Common Man

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