A Man For All Seasons

Explaining the metaphor, and what it suggests about the nature or actions of the character. ( Act one) More arguing with Roper

what does this quote mean? character/More: " The currents and eddies of right and wrong, which you find plain-sailing, I can't navigate, I'm no voyager. But in the thickest of the law, oh there I'm a forester. I doubt there's a man alive who could follow me there, thank God

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Throghout the play the public life is associated with a river. It is not only dangerous to navigate but also one has to be able to bend and do what is needed in order to survive. Here More plainly states that he is unable to do this. Although he is intelligent and suitable for powerful positions he cannot renounce his beliefs and act in an immoral way. As such he is deemed to fail because, unlike Roper (to whom this line is addressed), his principles are not 'seagoing'.

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