Zubin Mulji August 20, 2011 A Man Is Only His Conscience There is a higher court than courts of justice

and that is the court of conscience; it supersedes all other courts, said Mohandas Gandhi, whose strong conviction to follow his conscience led to the emancipation of India from British rule. For Thomas More, it was more personal, and he was ultimately executed for remaining steadfast to his conscience. In the play, A Man For All Seasons, while More declines politically and socially, one of his friends, Richard Rich, saw his opportunity for success. He was a simple secretary to the Duke of Norfolk, but Rich sought political and social gain at all costs, through even immoral ways. Throughout the drama, Richard Rich displayed selfishness, disloyalty, and greed. In the first scene, Rich subtly displays his avarice in simple conversation. While chatting with Rich, More offers him a silver cup as a gift. He immediately thanks him and the first thing he fantasizes about getting are some decent clothes (Bolt 8). Even when More warns him that he received it through a bribe, Rich still hastily accepted it: More: Well, Im not going to keep it, and you need it. Of course--if you feel its contaminated. . . Rich: No, no. Ill risk it, (Bolt 8). His covetousness here hints at his inner desperation for power and status. Although the cup was illegally obtained, he still takes the gift with intention to sell it. This action is also hypocritical, because he is condoning an illegal bribe while seeking political office for himself. Blinded by his greed, he makes a bad decision and takes the cup, which he later uses against its benefactor. Later in the play, Rich gains political office, unconsciously in exchange for loyalty. First, Thomas Cromwell, a lawyer and the lead conspirator against More, offered Rich the position of Collector of Revenues for York, to gain his support in the foreboding trials. Then, when Cromwell

needed evidence to charge More with, Rich came forward with the silver cup More gave him. Next, Rich saw another opening, told Cromwell, and was soon appointed Attorney-General for Wales. Finally during the trial, Rich perjured himself in his testimony against More: Rich: Then he said Parliament had no power to [make the King Head of the Church]. . .He [denied the Kings title]. More: In good faith, Rich, I am sorrier for your perjury than my peril, (Bolt 156). Even More, who was probably going to be executed, held his ground, while Rich fabricated evidence to keep Cromwell happy. His selfish and insensitive behavior was done all for social gain, even though it meant condemning an old friend to death. He betrayed a sincere friend just to make influential ones. Richard Rich displayed his desire for power through covetousness and betrayal throughout the play. He had many character traits contrary to that of the protagonist Thomas More, which makes him seem like an antagonist in the play. Although More understood Richs faults from the beginning, he still tried to steer him away from it. For example, More offered that he become a teacher and lead a quiet life, but Rich dismissed the suggestion immediately. Fortunately, Rich does go through some inner conflict for his immoral behavior, shown by his slight reluctancy while giving his testimony. However, his actions spoke louder than his words, for they led to the execution of Sir Thomas More.

Well . . . I believe, when statesmen forsake their own private conscience for the sake of their public duties . . . they lead their country by a short route to chaos.