Destruction of an individual displays one's moral beliefs when he is destroyed. The defeat is what counts most; to defeat a man is to destroy the soul. In the play, A Man for All Seasons, by Robert Bolt, the notion that "a man can be destroyed but not defeated" is a premise that is clearly demonstrated by Sir Thomas More. As the former Lord Chancellor of England, More is the only man who truly sees problems his own ways. He held onto his convictions and beliefs by refusing to support his King on the issue of divorcing his wife Catherine. In the process of holding onto his beliefs, he is pressured by his family, his friends, and the court of justice. Unfortunately, he is executed, but remains a legacy to the people. Despite his death, he reminds others that they should hold on to their moral beliefs, no matter what happens.

Sir Thomas More's family went through great lengths in order to persuade More to swear to the Act of Succession. If More would swear to the oath, it would free him from the charges of high treason. More's daughter, Margaret, tried everything in order to pressure her father into taking the oath. Margaret took an oath in an attempt to persuade More to surr

More's friend Norfolk tries to pressure him, saying "We're supposed to be the arrogant ones, the proud, splenetic ones - and we've all given in! Why must you stand out?" (71). All the noblemen have already given in and taken the oath, and that they are waiting on More to do so as well. But More still does not give in, he chooses to remain silent and continues to do so. He does not mind because he is doing what he feels is right. When the court had done all they can to persuade him, they began to put him under extreme pressure. "Yet the state has harsher punishments" (79). Cromwell thought that by saying that, it would cause More to change his attitude and swear to the oath. In fact, it didn't work. Even through immense pressure, More will not allow himself to be defeated. More knows that if he is found guilty of high treason, he will be executed. But at the stage when he is alive, he can not surrender.

The destruction of a man is materialistic, while defeat is spiritual. Although More was killed, his "soul", lives on. More held on to his convictions, beliefs and ideals, without allowing others to interfere with them. He stands tall despite the pressure from the most meaningful people in his life; his family and friends. He knows where he is going as he speaks to the Common Man, "Friend, be not afraid of your office. You send me to God " (99). Risking his family, friends, and ultimately his own life is quite a powerful indication that More is a man of great virtue.

It is evident that More's wife ,Alice, seems to be the least supportive member of his family. She places pressure on More by making him fel

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