This cup stands in as symbol of corruption. Thomas More receives the cup as a bribe before the play begins, but immediately gives it to Richard Rich, who happily accepts it. More does his best to follow his conscience and not let outside forces influence him. In contrast, Rich is happy to accept bribes and compromise himself if it means his social status will continue to improve.
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The Silver Cup Symbol Timeline in A Man for All Seasons
The timeline below shows where the symbol The Silver Cup appears in A Man for All Seasons. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Act 1
...his basket. He takes out a jug of alcohol and several goblets, including Thomas More’s silver cup , and sets the newly revealed dinner table. He asserts, “The Sixteenth Century is the...
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...coercion and corruption, as his influence comes with built-in moral dilemmas. He shows Rich a silver cup which he was given as an attempted bribe. More feels corrupted just by keeping it...
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As Rich leaves, the Steward comments on the new goblet More has given Rich. After Rich has left the stage, the Steward observes that More...
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Act 2
...know each other well. Cromwell explains the Woman once tried to bribe More with a silver cup , although More did not rule in her favor, coming to a lawful conclusion instead....
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...More accepting a bribe, as he was also present the night More gave Rich the silver cup —but, because Norfolk found the story unconvincing, the Steward was never asked to testify. The...
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