“I’ll Stick to What’s Legal”—Thomas More and the Rule of Law in A Man for All Seasons

Abstract

In Robert Bolt’s play “A Man for All Seasons” (1960), Sir Thomas More’s portrayal is a paradigmatic narrative illustrating the timeless conflict individuals face when compelled to act against their understanding of the rule of law. Bolt presents More as a “hero of selfhood.” This paper analyses the concept of “selfhood” as depicted in the play, arguing that More’s core identity was fundamentally anchored in his unwavering commitment to civil institutions and the rule of law. Through this lens, the paper explores how individuals navigate and experience constitutional crises, using Bolt’s depiction of More’s struggle as a framework for understanding contemporary challenges to personal integrity within legal and political systems.