The conflict between Sir Thomas More and the authorities. The conflict between Sir Thomas More and the authorities in the play is very significant. It is through this conflict that Robert Bolt works out his principal themes; it is also this conflict which reveals the aspects of Thomas More's character that makes him "a man for all seasons". This conflict further shows the extent to which men could go in order to achieve their selfish ends.
The major conflict in the play, that between Sir Thomas and the authorities can be regarded as that between private judgment (represented by Sir Thomas) and constituted authority (represented by the king, Cromwell, Norfolk, Rich and others). The conflict comes to a head over Sir, Thomas' refusal to take an oath acquiescing to the Act of Succession passed by parliament. The Act conflicts with More's conscience. He has been clear all alone on his attitude to the king's intentions to divorce Catherine and marry Anne. Perhaps a little naively, More makes his stand clear during the king's visit to him, at the risk of offending Henry. Naive More may be, but we are impressed by his sincerity and honesty. An oath is important to him, and does not see how he could take the oath glibly without risking damnation.
The themes of sincerity, honesty and dignity are in focus here. It is clear from More's arguments that he is not refusing to give his consent out of personal spite. He loves the king and his country. He does not relish giving up his position of honour. As he sees it, there is nothing he can do about it. More puts his faith in the law even though he is perceptive enough to realize that evil men might twist the law to suit their purpose. He holds on firmly to both religious and moral principles even though he finds himself in a cynical world in which every man has his price. He is in a world in which the Thomas More are hopelessly and outrageously outnumbered by the Richard Riches, the Cromwells and the Norfolks. He succumbs when Rich testifies against him. The betrayal is too much for him to bear. He is indeed "a man for all seasons" because his character is untainted no matter the circumstances in which he finds himself.
The forces raging against More are formidable. Authority is embodied in the person of the king who by the time More goes on trial is head of the church and state. The king appears only a couple of times but he leaves one with the impression of a rugged and determined man who will ignore the niceties of conscience in order to achieve his objectives. On the king's side, are Norfolk, Cromwell and Rich. These men demonstrate moral degeneration of the most odious kind. Rich in particular appears hideously tainted because of his betrayal of More's trust. Cromwell is an opportunist and an instrument of the king. Norfolk is not man enough to follow the dictates of his conscience and allows himself to be manipulated by the king.