NON-AFRICAN DRAMA
ROBERT BOLT: A Man For All Seasons
Examine the role of the common man in the play.
Explanation
The Common Man plays several roles. He represents that which is "common to all ages". He is used also as both a commentator and actor; that is, he performs the dual role of being both inside and outside the play. He is in various episodes of the play, a steward, a boatman, an innkeeper, jailer, the foreman of the Jury and the headsman.
In the play, the Common Man speaks directly to the audience explaining the action often in ironical statements. He connects the episodes and acts especially by his change of costume and utterances, thereby providing smooth transition. At the start of Act Two, for instance, the Common Man tells the audience about the events which have occurred between 1530, when the first Act ends, and 1532, when the second Act begins. It is also through the Common Man that the audience learns of Wolsey's demise and More's imprisonment, and it is the Common Man who informs the audi-ence of what befalls the other characters after the execution of More.
The Common Man often makes incisive comments on the other characters, and on events. For example, when he notices More's gift of the silver cup to Rich he says: "my master Thomas would give anything to anyone. Some say that's good and some say that's bad ... "
This is a very significant observation, for it is this cup which is used as evidence against More at the treason trial. The Common Man is able to see that More's generosity will get him into trouble. Also, he provides an insight into Rich's character when he says about him: "That one'll come to nothing."
In addition, the few instances of humour in the play result from the Common Man's witty and sometimes startlingly realistic statements. When, for instance, More has lost his job and offers to retain his services if he will take a cut in wages, he comments after he has turned down the offer: "Now, damn me isn't that them allover! " Miss -? .. He - ... Miss -? ... Miss me ... What's in me for him to miss ... ? Wo - Ha! ... We - e - eyup!" and tells the audience" I nearly fell for it". The Common Man is therefore a very important character in the play.