Robert Bolt consciously inserted symbolism about the sea and water as "a figure for the superhuman context." In the play, references to currents and tides refer to shifts in the forces around More. Thus More's need to be steered by boat to see Wolsey or Cromwell or to return home indicates that he is at the mercy of others, whereas Henry VHf s boasting about steering a ship himself, albeit badly, indicates his arrogant usurpation of authority. In another manifestation of the sea image, More speaks to Roper of the "currents and eddies of right and wrong" as a sea he cannot navigate so simply as Roper does. More is "set against the current of [his] times."
The symbolism of clothing is another pervasive symbol in the play. From the very first scene, clothing.....
This is a free excerpt of 135 words. This section contains 639 words. This
study guide contains 24,431 words (approx. 81 pages at 300
words per page).
Read the rest of this Literature Guide with our A Man for All Seasons Access Pass.
