Politics Quotes in A Man for All Seasons

How we cite our quotes: (Act.Paragraph)

Quote #4

CHAPUYS: Ah. (Mock interest) But then why these Justices, Chancellors, Admirals?

CROMWELL: Oh, they are the constitution. Our ancient, English constitution. I merely do things. (1.404)

In other words, Cromwell is like that shady modern lobbyist who works backroom political deals with little regard for silly things like laws and regulations. That's what makes him so evil in comparison to More. While More follows the law to the letter, Cromwell just crumples it up and throws it away.

Quote #5

MORE: (Eagerly) Then why does Your Grace need my poor support?

HENRY: Because you are honest. What's more to the purpose, you're known to be honest. (1.566)

Basically, Henry knows that More's refusal to acknowledge his divorce is really bad P.R., and even though the dude doesn't have to run for election, he still wants to have a stable, easily controllable political environment. Getting More to change his tune is going to be a lot easier said than done, however. Also, note that honesty itself isn't really the issue when it comes to politics—it's the appearance of honesty that matters. You don't need the truth in politics; you just need truthiness.

Quote #6

HENRY [...] There are those like Norfolk who follow me because I wear the crown, and there are those like Master Cromwell who follow me because they are jackals [...] and there is you. (1.566)

Let's break this one down. Norfolk is the kind of dude who follows the existing political order blindly: he follows Henry because them's the rules. Cromwell is the kind of dude who can see through the political order and who uses that insight for his own corrupt benefit. More, on the other hand, is a different beast entirely: he follows his own conscience above all else.