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Thomas More’s Utopia Analysis
Thomas More’s Utopia Analysis and Study Questions. The geography of Utopia. The religion in Utopia. Gold and silver in Utopia. Marriage customs in Utopia. What was the importance of agriculture for Utopians? Why did Thomas More write Utopia in Latin?
Why did Thomas More write Utopia in Latin?
Thomas More’s decision to write ‘Utopia’ in Latin was influenced by his profound interest in Greek philosophers, including works like Plato’s ‘Republic.’ By choosing Latin, he aimed to engage educated readers across Europe. More believed that his work demanded a deeper understanding, achievable through the intellectual medium of Latin, which was widely used among scholars at the time.
How was the geography of Utopia?
The island’s shape resembles that of a crescent moon, symbolizing a fresh start in various aspects such as lifestyle, education, attire, and writing.
The island’s location makes it exceedingly difficult to access, and only Utopians know the proper ways to reach it.
The entire coastline is naturally fortified, making it an ideal place for protection. This geography aids in preventing external destruction and helps the Utopians isolate themselves from the rest of the world. Being an island represents freedom from external influences. It is a powerful symbol of harmony. Moreover, its separation from the mainland renders the island pure and untouched.
Thomas More’s Utopia Analysis
Is such a country possible?
A country like Utopia might seem dull. People are likely to resist a lack of variety and challenges. Humans inherently seek struggles and crave originality. This uniformity can stifle change. In a place devoid of change, people may not develop more diverse desires or pursue self-improvement. Over time, the fundamental human need for growth and variety could pressure both social order and individual freedom.
Utopia is portrayed as a static society; its inhabitants, the Utopians, live in a constant state. However, the reality is that no place like Utopia could exist in the world. Utopia, as perfect as it appears in theory, is unfeasible because human desires, emotions, and imaginations change daily. Consequently, in Utopia, clothing, houses, and city designs remain uniform. Due to their aversion to change, the Utopians place little emphasis on education, attending school only to learn basic literacy
What about gold and silver in Utopia?
In Utopia, utility is valued over beauty and scarcity. Consequently, gold and silver are not treated as they are in other societies. Utopians ensure that these metals are not overvalued beyond their practical worth.
For example, iron is considered superior to gold in Utopia due to its greater usefulness. Iron is durable and tough, whereas gold, despite its rarity, serves no significant functional purpose and offers little to people’s needs. Utopians find the notion that the rarity of a material should dictate its value to be irrational.”
Thomas More’s Utopia Analysis
How about the marriage customs in Utopia?
In Utopia, there are age restrictions for marriage: women must be at least 18 years old, and men at least 22. Strict rules are in place to discourage premarital sex among singles, emphasizing maturity to avoid mistakes. Breaking this rule results in severe punishment.
Additionally, parents, particularly fathers and mothers, bear responsibility for their children’s upbringing. Any misconduct by children can lead to public disgrace for the parents, adding to the pressure of proper parenting.
The marriage process in Utopia includes some unique practices:
- The bride and groom are presented to each other naked.
- Utopia is one of the few places in the region where monogamy is strictly practiced.
- Divorce in Utopia is challenging due to stringent regulations. In divorce proceedings, the rights of the innocent party are carefully protected against the guilty party
Thomas More’s Utopia Analysis
What is the nature of religion in Utopia?
Utopia features a diversity of religious beliefs. Some inhabitants worship the sun, others the moon, and still others various planets. However, the vast majority of Utopians adhere to a monotheistic belief in a supreme, singular entity. This entity is perceived as unknown, eternal, and beyond human comprehension, and is reverently referred to as ‘Father.’
Polytheism, the belief in multiple gods, is also present in Utopian society. Each individual is granted the freedom to choose their religion. In some cases, a person may be venerated as both a god and a human. This occurs when someone’s exemplary behavior sets them apart as an ideal figure, leading others to glorify them.
What was the significance of agriculture and farming in Utopia?
Farming was not only the main occupation in Utopia but also a cultural cornerstone. Living in harmony with nature was crucial, as agriculture provided essential sustenance and fulfilled basic life needs. This sector offered employment opportunities for everyone, allowing each person to contribute.
All Utopians were skilled in cultivation. Young Utopians, particularly grooms, were tasked with feeding and caring for horses, an activity that also kept them physically fit. They developed remarkable methods in farming and animal breeding. A notable example is their approach to chicken rearing: chicks, upon hatching, would recognize and follow humans instead of their hens. This adaptation highlighted the Utopians’ belief in human dominion over nature, demonstrating their ability to alter natural processes.
In Utopia, cultivators were held in higher esteem than even the nobles, reflecting the profound respect for those who worked the land.
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