How we cite our quotes: (Act.Paragraph)
Quote #10
CROMWELL: pushes the table off, takes a small black mask from basket and puts it on COMMON MAN. The COMMON MAN thus becomes the traditional Headsman. (2.786)
We find it interesting that Common Man—the character that fills all of the lower-class/extra parts in the play—is given the sole responsibility of executing the great Sir Thomas More. Why doesn't Cromwell do it himself? As we've learned well over the course of the play, however, Cromwell will do anything to take his enemies down—as long as he stays in the shadows. And that, unfortunately, also makes all the common people complicit in the shady goings on we see in the play.