Influence Of The Common Man For All Seasons
A man for all seasons by Robert Bolt, The character of the common man seems to carry traits of disloyalty and selfishness when he appears in the play portraying different characters. This seems to relate greatly to the works of Bertolt Brecht whose main focus was to distance viewers from the characters as to give better acknowledgement to the social problems being displayed.
In this essay Bertolt Brecht’s influence will be critically discussed by explaining Brecht’s aims in plays, how it is captured in the common man and how it seems to alienate viewers from the play although the common man draws the viewers into the play as Bolt intended. The common man’s effectiveness in the play will also be discussed by referring to his roles of Steward …show more content…
Brecht’s influence can be clearly seen in the role of the common man as he constantly changes roles, sets the scenery and speaks directly to the audience, which allows him to be both inside and outside of the play. Kincaid mentions that the Common man’s main purpose was to bring alienation into the play so that viewers can place more focus on the social events rather than getting attached to the characters. On the contrary the Common man draws the audience closer to the play instead of pushing them away, Taylor (1969) comments on this by saying “the device of the Common Man really owes more to Bolt’s radio experience than it does to Brecht. Taylor mentions here that although Brecht might have had an influence in A man for all seasons it is clearer that Bolt brings in the common man so that viewers can be drawn into the …show more content…
In his role as the House Steward Matthew, he immediately decides to leave when Sir Thomas More when he hears that his salary will be cut. Although it depicts him as a disloyal man, More still says that he will miss him. This shows that More has a good heart and is a caring person.
As the Boatman, the Common man decides to try and force more money out of More by charging him more than the usual fare. This shows that the common man will exploit the wealthy in order to gain more money. The effectiveness of this role is to bring to light that Sir Thomas More stands for what he believes is right by refusing to pay more than he usually does.
As the Jailer, the common man illustrates cowardice when he refuses Sir Thomas More more time with his family. Sir Thomas More accepts that he cannot risk the life of the Common man and this brings to light the integrity that Sir Thomas More
In this essay Bertolt Brecht’s influence will be critically discussed by explaining Brecht’s aims in plays, how it is captured in the common man and how it seems to alienate viewers from the play although the common man draws the viewers into the play as Bolt intended. The common man’s effectiveness in the play will also be discussed by referring to his roles of Steward …show more content…
Brecht’s influence can be clearly seen in the role of the common man as he constantly changes roles, sets the scenery and speaks directly to the audience, which allows him to be both inside and outside of the play. Kincaid mentions that the Common man’s main purpose was to bring alienation into the play so that viewers can place more focus on the social events rather than getting attached to the characters. On the contrary the Common man draws the audience closer to the play instead of pushing them away, Taylor (1969) comments on this by saying “the device of the Common Man really owes more to Bolt’s radio experience than it does to Brecht. Taylor mentions here that although Brecht might have had an influence in A man for all seasons it is clearer that Bolt brings in the common man so that viewers can be drawn into the …show more content…
In his role as the House Steward Matthew, he immediately decides to leave when Sir Thomas More when he hears that his salary will be cut. Although it depicts him as a disloyal man, More still says that he will miss him. This shows that More has a good heart and is a caring person.
As the Boatman, the Common man decides to try and force more money out of More by charging him more than the usual fare. This shows that the common man will exploit the wealthy in order to gain more money. The effectiveness of this role is to bring to light that Sir Thomas More stands for what he believes is right by refusing to pay more than he usually does.
As the Jailer, the common man illustrates cowardice when he refuses Sir Thomas More more time with his family. Sir Thomas More accepts that he cannot risk the life of the Common man and this brings to light the integrity that Sir Thomas More