More is temperate: Moderate in behaviour and attitudes; avoiding opinions and actions. More is honourable, astute, naive, loving, selfless, shrewd.
More begins as a highly respected figure in England and throughout Europe. A man for all seasons traces his downfall from a man who is honoured by all, including the King, to an outcast who is convicted and executed for treason. It is only when More’s commitment to his personal beliefs is put under duress that his integrity and strength of character are truly revealed.
More can seem somewhat naive because he believes that by offering no opinion in the matter of the King’s divorce he can remain impartial and somewhat safe from any danger. He even resigns his position as Lord Chancellor in order to secure his personal safety.
Alice is much more astute in understanding that More will be seen as an opponent because of his refusal to comment on the King’s behaviour. More is a victim of his own good reputation. More’s naivety is further demonstrated by his trust in the law, in fact this belief in the law is his downfall as Cromwell changes the law in order to trap More.
Word Definitions
Astute : marked by practical hardheaded intelligence; "a smart businessman"; "an astute tenant always reads the small print in a lease"; Quick to notice or understand.
Naive : Lacking worldly experience and understanding.
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