A Man for All Seasons Group

Question:

nell
nell
Student
College - Senior

What does More mean by saying, "when a man takes an oath, he is holding his own self in his own hands"?

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Posted by nell on Friday November 16, 2007 at 10:13 AM and tagged with a man for all seasons, ethics, more, themes.

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  1. malibrarian Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    More's principles and faith in God were critically important to him.  If he made a promise, an oath, then it was binding - it wasn't just something he said to get him through that moment in his life.  According to the author of the play, Robert Bolt, "More was a 'hero of selfhood' because he 'knew where he began and left off, what areas of himself he could yield to the encroachments of his enemies, and what to the encroachments of those he loved' (Bolt's Preface to the play, p. xi)" (cited from the eNotes link below).

    Definitely check out the link I cited as it gives very important information regarding the themes of this great play.  Good luck!

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/man-all/themes

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    Posted by malibrarian on Friday November 16, 2007 at 7:19 PM