MovieChat Forums > A Man for All Seasons (1966) Discussion > Payment and Questions

Payment and Questions

posted 8 years ago by wyldeone2
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In the ending minutes of the film the executioner kneels down next to Thomas More and I think More says "I forgive you". More gives the executioner a coin. Then the executioner stands back up while some court clerks pull More's clothes back to better expose his neck for chopping.

Why did More give him the coin?

Why did More forgive him?

Wasn't getting beheaded a worse event than a divorce/marriage he wouldn't forgive the King of wanting?
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Books and movies are usually better than real life.

[–] hachmom-1 8 years ago

it was customary to pay the executioner in hopes of a swift and proper execution. It was also customary for the executioner to ask pardon as he is not doing this of his own malice but as an officer of the state. Thirdly More had reason to be grateful to Henry for the method of execution. He could have been drawn and quartered. Also he is hooing Henry will not persecute his family.