Legalities in A Man for All Seasons Annmicha Blugh College

In Robert Bolt’s A Man for All Seasons (1960), the laws of God lies in contradistinction to the laws of man which generates much controversy and opposition especially regarding matters of marriage, morality, conscience and sovereignty. Surrounding the king’s divorce, the Bible teaches the indissoluble nature of the marriage bond in both the Old and New Testament i.e. Genesis 2, Malachi 2, Matthew 5 and Matthew 19. It forbids divorce, only under the provisions of adultery (or infidelity); however, cultural allowances are also introduced permitting a concubine or co-regent wife in the case of barrenness – for example the case of Abraham and Sarah or Elkanah and Hannah. In the event of death, Deuteronomy 25 legalises the marriage of a brother or close male relative to his deceased brother’s widow (or sister-in-law) as in the case of Ruth and Boaz. This condition aims at the conception of a male-heir to fulfil the law of primogeniture (the right of the firstborn to inherit) and for continuity of the father’s name. Consequently, on these grounds, the Pope Clement VIII approves the marriage of King Henry to his brother’s wife, Queen Catherine of Aragon.

In the play, the laws of God are highly regarded and referenced in the Decalogue,...