John Frith Character Analysis in Wolf Hall

Frith is a young scholar whom Cromwell respects deeply. Thomas More imprisons Frith for heresy because he translated Luther into English. Cromwell tells Frith that he can get him an interview with Henry and a possible pardon if Frith will only say the right things to the king. However, Frith refuses to compromise on his beliefs even to save his own life. Cromwell appeals to More to spare Frith, but More does not, and Frith is burned for heresy. This incident shows the extent of Cromwell’s compassion, and also shows that it is frustrating for him to deal with people who stick to their principles at the cost of their lives. Cromwell doesn’t ask Frith to actually change his beliefs—he only wants him to say he does. To Cromwell, this seems so logical, while some—like Frith and More—regard it as dishonorable conduct.

John Frith Character Timeline in Wolf Hall

The timeline below shows where the character John Frith appears in Wolf Hall. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Dogmatism vs. Open-Mindedness Theme Icon

Cromwell later visits a prisoner, John Frith, at the Tower. When Cromwell takes Frith’s hands, “he finds them all bones, cold and... (full context)

Cromwell asks Frith if he can “soften his answers” if Cromwell is able to get him an audience... (full context)

Power, Ambition, and Deception Theme Icon

Cromwell then tells More to ask Henry to meet with Frith. He says More might think Frith is a heretic, but that More must see that... (full context)

When Frith is burned, Cromwell is away on a hunt with Henry. He later hears that Frith... (full context)