Summary
Thomas More's steadfast principles are tested as he navigates the treacherous waters of political and religious conflict in Tudor England. Despite multiple attempts by others to sway him, More remains unwavering in his convictions, even as his stance leads to personal and professional peril. His ethical resolve ultimately culminates in a trial for treason, where More's commitment to his beliefs comes at the highest personal cost.
An Unexpected Visitor
Richard Rich, ambitious and eager for a position at court, visits the home of his acquaintance, Thomas More, seeking assistance. More cautions Rich about the dangers of court life, warning him of the bribes and temptations that come with it. Despite More’s offer to help Rich find a teaching job, Rich is visibly disappointed. In a gesture of friendship, More presents Rich with a silver cup—a gift intended as a bribe for More. Their conversation is interrupted by the arrival of the Duke of Norfolk, Lady Alice, and Lady Margaret More. To everyone's surprise, the Duke announces Thomas Cromwell’s new appointment as secretary to Cardinal Wolsey. Shortly after, More receives an urgent summons from the Cardinal, despite the lateness of the hour.
A Late-Night Disagreement
Upon reaching Cardinal Wolsey's chambers, More is chastised for opposing Wolsey in council that day. Their discussion turns to the pressing political matter: King Henry’s desire for a male heir. Unable to divorce his wife Catherine due to the Pope's refusal of a dispensation, Henry finds himself in a dynastic crisis. Despite Wolsey's urgings, More remains steadfast in his views, leading to his dismissal to return home by boat.
A Suitor’s Request
Back home, More is greeted by William Roper, who seeks More's permission to marry his daughter, Margaret. However, More declines, citing Roper’s current heretical Lutheran beliefs as a barrier. After Roper departs, More avoids delving into political discussions with his family, instead advising caution given the dangerous times they live in.
A Rise to Power
The Common Man informs the audience of More’s appointment as Lord Chancellor following Wolsey's demise. Meanwhile, the Spanish ambassador and Cromwell attempt to extract confidential information from More’s steward, who cleverly takes their bribes but reveals nothing substantive.
The King’s Visit
King Henry’s visit to More's home brings a private conversation, where Henry seeks More's support for his desired divorce from Catherine. More, unable to compromise his religious principles, politely declines. The King, though outwardly respectful of More’s conscience, leaves disappointed. Following the King’s departure, Roper and Rich enter; Roper has returned to Catholicism and voices dangerous opinions about the divorce. Rich informs More of Cromwell’s interest in obtaining incriminating evidence against him.
Covert Deals
Cromwell and Rich meet in a pub, where Cromwell offers Rich a lucrative position in exchange for evidence against More. Rich divulges information about the silver cup More had given him. Time passes, and significant changes occur—most notably, the King is declared the supreme head of the Church of England. Through legal maneuvering, More finds a way to maintain his position without directly opposing the King. Yet, with news of the definitive break from the Catholic Church, More resigns his office, explaining to his family that silence is their safest course.
Mounting Pressure
Cromwell and Norfolk discuss the necessity of bringing More into line due to his respected reputation. Cromwell claims to have evidence of More accepting bribes, though Norfolk dismisses it as inadequate. Undeterred, Cromwell and Rich resolve to find stronger evidence against More.
A Diplomatic Visit
Chapuys, the Spanish ambassador, presents More with a secret letter from the King of Spain, praising More's stance on the divorce. However, More insists he has...
(This entire section contains 797 words.)
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taken no public position and refuses the letter. He reiterates to his family that their safety lies in his silence.
Interrogation and Imprisonment
Cromwell confronts More, with Rich documenting the exchange. Despite Cromwell’s attempts to catch More in discrepancies, More remains composed, denying any wrongdoing. Cromwell reads a note from the King, accusing More of ingratitude and disloyalty, yet More remains unmoved. After provoking a dispute with Norfolk to shield his friend, More is imprisoned for refusing to swear to the Act of Succession.
The Trial
Enduring harsh conditions, More is subjected to repeated questioning but remains resolute. His family visits, and despite their pleas and the hardships they face, More refuses to capitulate. At his trial for treason, More deftly counters the accusations, but Rich falsely testifies that More denied Parliament’s right to make the King head of the Church. Realizing his fate is sealed, More finally speaks out, affirming his belief in divine law over human legislation. Convicted of treason, Sir Thomas More meets his end with courage and integrity, remaining true to his principles to the very last.