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Utopia?

            Countless scholars have written numerous accounts on its interpretation. It has been the subject of heated debate since it was published. Some may even say its even the most disputed work ever written. But what is the true meaning behind More's Utopia? Is it the political satire that many believe it to be? Or perhaps did More intend for Utopia to reflect the England that he healed from? Further questions still remain. Was Utopia the idea for and ideal government? Or was it in fact the early day 1984?.
             The truth of the matter is that we will never be able to truly discern the truth behind Utopia. The work itself, as well as the speculations of students and scholars, is all we truly have to go by. While we do indeed know facts of More's life, they do little to shed any light on the meaning of Utopia. For this essay I will focus more on the ideas of Utopia as a place. Rather, through the discussions that follow, I will attempt to discern whether or not Utopia really was a utopia.
             To begin we must first look to the definition of the word the More himself coined. Utopia the word is yet another subject of hot debate. To me it means basically an ideal state that has achieved perfection in social, political, and moral aspects. Yet others may view utopia the word as an impractical or idealistic means for political and social reform. From its Greek origins it could mean "No place" or "Good place." The meaning of this word like the work it comes from will remain a disputed topic for years to come. For sake of argument I will stick to my personal definition with the occasional reference to the more pessimistic definition concerning the practicality, or lack thereof.
             The task of defining what a utopian society would look like is so great that we must first look at what it isn't. By looking to what moral and political practices that couldn't be considered part of a utopia we can also look to the practices of More's Utopians.


Essays Related to Utopia?

1. Utopia by Thomas More

... punishment for it. Once the men begin this discussion, the work once again begins to show the juxtaposition between reality and the ideal world that Utopia represents. When a lawyer arrives one night for dinner, the discussion between the men culminates around whether or not a thief deserves a death sentence for ... the convicted from the community, but the condemned can earn their way back into society with good behavior. By explaining the treatment of thieves in Utopia, More is able to use juxtaposition to shine a harsh light on the actions of England. This once again shows the juxtapo...

  • Word Count: 1764
  • Approx Pages: 7
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2. Utopia

... not allowed to compare themselves to other candidates. This station keeps citizens very informed about government. The whole society can have all their questions answered by watching the television. The Utopia States wants their government to be top quality. This is accomplished through series of analysis. High quality analyses are encouraged from every person and organization to make sure the government ... the superior race. By having a diverse genetic pool, our species will survive and be healthy for many more years to come. Entertainment is live and greatly appreciated in the Utopia ...

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3. Utopia

... keeping peace. According to Raphael, large standing armies have seized some opportunities to overthrow the government while under their employ, devastating territory. Utopia is geographically built with natural defenses, such as the reef barrier on one side of the island, and the well-fortified ports on ... him straight off to become a thief" 18; moreover wine-taverns, brothels, and ale-houses are establishments that are impossible to be found in Utopia. Utopian towns "always grow corn and breed livestock in excess of their towns requirements, so they've plenty to spare for their neighbo...

  • Word Count: 1316
  • Approx Pages: 5
  • Has Bibliography
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4. Utopia vs. Dystopia

... government, though it is run by a very small contingent of people, is not totalitarian in nature. Raphael Hythloday, More's main character in describing Utopia, writes that, "after many days journey, they came to towns, and cities, and to commonwealths, that were both happily governed and well peopled ... individuality is not often overlooked by governments. The value placed on their lives are evident through their treatment by the government. In Utopia, every life is a highly prized possession. Instead of going to war and losing their own citizens, the Utopian government "hires mercenar...

  • Word Count: 2604
  • Approx Pages: 10
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5. Utopia vs. Dystopia

... government, though it is run by a very small contingent of people, is not totalitarian in nature. Raphael Hythloday, More's main character in describing Utopia, writes that, "after many days journey, they came to towns, and cities, and to commonwealths, that were both happily governed and well peopled ... individuality is not often overlooked by governments. The value placed on their lives are evident through their treatment by the government. In Utopia, every life is a highly prized possession. Instead of going to war and losing their own citizens, the Utopian government "hires mercenar...

  • Word Count: 2604
  • Approx Pages: 10
  • Grade Level: High School

6. Thomas More's Utopia

... was combined his inner struggle into two characters; Raphael Hythloday who was brought into the story as a philosopher who had traveled to an island named Utopia and a character with the same name as himself. When meeting the character of More, Hythloday told him about his adventures to this island and ... which in more reasonable terms simply means ownership by the wealthy few. This simultaneously raises the prices of essential things such as bread. In utopia to sum it up in short terms the character Hythloday implies that society is manufacturing thieves and then blaming them for steali...

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7. More's Utopia

... which is the Greek word for "happy place." Throughout the book this type of cleverness and wordplay prevails as More interweaves Christian and classical antiquity into the slippery text of Utopia to further his reforming efforts. The author More, a devout Catholic humanist who did not argue, but gave both sides of the debate and, therefore, indirectly pushes the reader towards political ... activism, called for the improvement of the flawed commonwealth of England with the mixed usage of utilitas and honestas. Throughout More's Utopia the reader is questioning More's intentions. It is a...

  • Word Count: 2024
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8. A Place Called Utopia

... that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." Jefferson's uses of these unalienable rights are similar to what I would have in my utopia, especially the pursuit of happiness. Every man and women should have the right to pursue his or her dreams and aspirations. My aspiration is to become an ... airline pilot and follow in my parents footsteps. In my utopia I would completely renovate travel and many unenforced security measures. In today's day and age air travel is not as glamorous and safe as it once was ... takes one flight to cause a catastrophic event. Overall I ...

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9. The Illusion of Utopia

... on realistic betterment in all areas of life. The twentieth century journalist Malcolm Muggeridge accepted Calvin's view while critiquing enlightened utopian views. He observed that all incarnations of Enlightenment utopia failed to live up to their promised perfection. Certainly, Calvin's Geneva strove to better living conditions, but did not attempt to perfect them. The philosophical train of thought ... this second might be referred to as public-spiritedness."" The "third value, equity- combines with "a fourth fundamental value respect for individual autonomy- to make Sweden like an E...

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