Utopia

(Sir Thomas More)

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- The word Utopia
• Coined by more from a Greek word (ou topos) = (no place).
Ironically, opposite of a similar-sounding Greek word eu-topos meaning “a good place.”

• Written in 1516, published in Latin, during the Renaissance period, by English state man
and humanist, Thomas More.

• Renaissance, which spanned from (1500-1600). Marked by a humanistic approach that

emphasized the value of individual achievement, the study of classical languages, and a
focus on the potential of human beings. It was a rebirth of classical arts.

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Plot & Form:
• Utopia is a fictional work. A socio-political satire, a type of social commentary. Writers use
exaggeration, irony, and other devices to poke fun of a particular leader, a social custom or
tradition, or any other practice.

• More's work reflects the humanist ideas of the time, exploring themes related to politics,
society, and the ideal state.

• Raphael Hythloday, a traveler and philosopher, recounts his experiences to Thomas More.
As an ambassador, he was sent by King Henry VIII to Flanders to resolve differences with
Prince Charles of Castile.

• “Utopia” as a medium to convey changes, and Hythloday as a mouthpiece to criticize and

reflect on its society.

• "Hythloday" is a Greek neologism that means "speaker of nonsense" suggesting the

character's role as a commentator on the absurdities. 3
Main Themes the Period & Utopia and their Critiques:
• Government:
- Crimes encouraging and deterring (Theft & Murder)
- Meritocracy vs. Hierarchy: a system where leaders are chosen based on merit and
wisdom rather than inherited wealth or status.
- Resource management: a society without property, resources are efficiently managed,
eliminating fears of scarcity.

• Social Classes
- Greed on less privilidge’s expense (Land enclosure, Personal gains, Materialistic gains)

• Judicial Equality:
- Flattery and advising rulers is often tailored their opinions to align with of those in power.
Judicial independence and the potential for the abuse of power for royalty’s sake.
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• Material gain and Money:
- pitfalls of aggressive expansionism X well-being of the citizens.
- Territorial gains led to warfare.

• Geography:
- Strategic geographical features and the value of secure trade routes during the age of
exploration and colonization.
- 44 cities, uniformity X Centralization.

• Communal approach
- Resources to be shared X Merchants and trades.
- Houses.

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• Life and Pleasure: pursuit of pleasures that are based on societal norms rather than
genuine well-being.

- Healthcare and humanism.

- Specific hours for work, meals, and leisure. The Utopians engage in intellectual pursuits,
such as reading and attending lectures, during their leisure time. X Material gains.
- Simplicity: The Utopian approach to wealth and possessions is particularly interesting.
They use gold and silver for practical purposes like making chamber-pots and chains for
slaves, rather than valuing them for their own sake. Their rejection of luxurious living and
focus on communal well-being contribute to a society where everyone has their basic
needs met.
- The period was marked by uncertainty, and individuals often sought security through
material wealth. & The Renaissance was marked by elaborate courtly rituals and displays
of status.
- The pursuit of wealth and nobility is criticized, how such items contribute to true happiness
or virtue.
- (Hiding wealth for fear of loss, Hoarding without using)

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True Pleasures Defined: Those of the mind and those of the body.
- Asserts that almost all Utopians view health as the greatest bodily pleasure.
- True pleasures are those aligned with reason and contribute to well-being.
- Virtue, knowledge over bodily pleasures.

- Mental pleasures include knowledge, truth, well-spent life, and future happiness.
- Acknowledges music as a bodily pleasure that affects the mind positively. maintaining
health.

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• Their slaves:
- No slaves are made from prisoners of war, sons of slaves, or people from other nations.
(Punishment)
- Sickness and voluntary death.

• Marriages
- Marriage method, age, choosing spouse, deceive, punishment, divorce.

• Simple Legal system: (short laws)

- Brother and father can correct.
- Senate will decide, no lawyers.
- Slavery.

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• War
- Dislike of war and discouragement.
- Bloodshed is not glorified and triumph is the one done without it.
- Priest to pray and prevent.

• Religion
- Non-violent worship.
- No pressure.
- Purification and war.

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Can you adopt all these suggestion and ideals
of the way of living? If not, why?
• Pride, and love for superiority in human beings.
• Impractical
• Pursuit of Money

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• The place referred to in the text is Utopia, a fictional island described in the book "Utopia" by Sir
Thomas More. The term "Utopia" has come to symbolize an ideal, perfect, and often impractical society.
The reasons why Utopia is considered perfect include:
1. Common Ownership and Equality: In Utopia, there is no private property, and all goods are held in
common. This eliminates social classes based on wealth and promotes economic equality among the
inhabitants.
2. **No Money:** The absence of money removes the motivation for greed and materialism. People work
for the common good, and there is no poverty or extreme wealth.
3. **Religious Tolerance:** Utopia allows freedom of worship, and there is religious tolerance. People can
practice their faith without fear of persecution, contributing to a harmonious society.
4. **Participation in Government:** The Utopian government encourages citizen participation. There is a
strong emphasis on civic engagement and the common welfare, with leaders chosen based on merit rather
than hereditary factors.
5. **Peaceful Foreign Relations:** Utopia avoids aggressive expansion and conquest. The Utopians believe
in the right to self-defense but do not seek to conquer other nations. This contributes to a sense of global
harmony.
6. **Educational Emphasis:** Education is highly valued, and Utopians strive for intellectual and moral
development. The society emphasizes the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom.
7. **Non-Violent Worship:** The Utopians do not practice violent forms of worship, such as animal
sacrifice. Their religious rituals involve contemplation, prayer, and expressions of gratitude.
It's important to note that Utopia is a work of fiction, and its depiction of an ideal society reflects the
author's views and critiques of the society in which he lived. The concept of a perfect society is subjective11
May you have a Utopian day!

• Subject: History of English Literature

• Prepared by: Neega H. Karim

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