A Man For All Seasons

In the break between Act I and Act II, More becomes England’s lord chancellor, succeeding Cardinal Wolsey. To reflect his role, he wears a chain of office. The chain represents the challenges of More’s political position. His role is a powerful one, and it is one that great men have held in the past. Despite this, the role does make him uncomfortable. He is required to support the King, and the King is in the process of creating the Church of England and separating from Catholicism. Though the chain of office is initially an honor, it becomes a heavy burden, and More is unwilling to continue wearing it once it becomes clear that Henry is fully in favor of Protestantism. Several characters object when More tries to take the chain off: They recognize that turning against the King will put More in danger. Margaret, the only character who really understands More’s position, is the only one who can remove the chain from his neck. Once the chain is removed, More is in more danger, but he is also free from the earlier contradictions of his work.