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3.67 AVERAGE
3.67 AVERAGE
I found The Common Man, a character already much discussed, really very interesting thematically. I love how the character greets the audience humbly, calling attention to his unworthiness for narrating a play about royalty. It seems he must, however, because it is his job or his duty or his command. As the play continues and his jobs, duties, commands become more and more grim, we cannot ignore his part, the part of the common man, in the impending tragedy. Yet, in my opinion after a first reading, The Common Man character need not take all the blame in a staging of this play; The Common Man's actions are only a symptom of the rule. In my opinion, there is no malice when orders are being carried out in relationship to the conflicts between forces of actual power. This reflects my own experience of being "common," while providing me with a better, more understanding and tolerant view, of the inhumanity I so often perceive.
The legal theme throughout the play was very interesting. Also, the rigid beliefs in religion. I did not like the play at first, when I neglected to see the depth in More's character. At first, I was seeing More only through a contemporary lens. In today's world, almost everybody would allow the King his right to a divorce, I would imagine, and nobody would put any stock in the words of a pope. In this light, it was very difficult to sympathize with Moore's plight. Then, when deeper in the play, the realization comes that it's not really about religion -- he says, "And when we stand before God, and you are sent to Paradise for doing according to your conscience, and I am damned for not doing according to mine, will you come with me, for felllowship?" They say, "So those of us whose names are there are damned, Sir Thomas?" And he says, "I don't know, Your Grace. I have no window to look into another man's conscience. I condemn no one." It's really about honesty. Although I have judgments, from my contemporary seat about law and religion, I cannot deny that a man has a right to his own truth. As he says later in the play, "I do none harm, I say none harm, I think none harm," and I agree that a person who does such is innocent. Then, in realizing how brilliant it is -- to have me side with the King but to understand what Moore's end should be different -- I have been changed by the play. So, five stars, 'cause that's what it's all about.
And so much more. This play is ripe with stuff to talk about, another five star quality.
Yeah, but, I'm giving the play four stars because it has all of that ... but it still just isn't one of my favorite plays. It is passionate about wonderful things -- justice, truth, a philosophy, living by a code -- but I'm not sure it was fully passionate about its shallow requirement for entertainment or its fulfilling fleshed out living relationships.
The legal theme throughout the play was very interesting. Also, the rigid beliefs in religion. I did not like the play at first, when I neglected to see the depth in More's character. At first, I was seeing More only through a contemporary lens. In today's world, almost everybody would allow the King his right to a divorce, I would imagine, and nobody would put any stock in the words of a pope. In this light, it was very difficult to sympathize with Moore's plight. Then, when deeper in the play, the realization comes that it's not really about religion -- he says, "And when we stand before God, and you are sent to Paradise for doing according to your conscience, and I am damned for not doing according to mine, will you come with me, for felllowship?" They say, "So those of us whose names are there are damned, Sir Thomas?" And he says, "I don't know, Your Grace. I have no window to look into another man's conscience. I condemn no one." It's really about honesty. Although I have judgments, from my contemporary seat about law and religion, I cannot deny that a man has a right to his own truth. As he says later in the play, "I do none harm, I say none harm, I think none harm," and I agree that a person who does such is innocent. Then, in realizing how brilliant it is -- to have me side with the King but to understand what Moore's end should be different -- I have been changed by the play. So, five stars, 'cause that's what it's all about.
And so much more. This play is ripe with stuff to talk about, another five star quality.
Yeah, but, I'm giving the play four stars because it has all of that ... but it still just isn't one of my favorite plays. It is passionate about wonderful things -- justice, truth, a philosophy, living by a code -- but I'm not sure it was fully passionate about its shallow requirement for entertainment or its fulfilling fleshed out living relationships.
I've had this play on my shelf for years and finally decided to read it. It was so good! I'm curious about that time period and was interested in how Sir. Thomas Moore was portrayed. In other accounts he's harder, maybe more just than merciful. In any case, I really loved his faith, conviction, honesty, and integrity. What a difficult position to be in and he stood for truth to all people, at all times. Clever and witty writing. Kept my attention!
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
One of the few cases where the movie is just slightly better than the play, though both exceptional (and are by the same author!). I am sure the Common Man character works brilliantly with the right actor, but when reading the script he just clutters the scenery with unnecessary commentary.
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I actually really enjoyed it. It wasn’t too long and although there wasn’t much ‘character development’ I still really enjoyed the characters. My favourite was Richard Rich lol.
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
was kinda fujoing out over cromwell and more 😔
Though I don't share the faith of More, and wonder if this portrayal papers over his imperfections, I can't help but admire and want to emulate his devotion to what he believed to be the truth at all costs.