LaChone Taylor
Dr. Sircy
Eng 358
November 21, 2014
Word Count:
In This Together Thomas More’sUtopia is a
More’s initial description of Utopia is that of a man-made island, enclosed by a large harbor. The harbor is used for import and travel, but makes external contact with the island virtually impossible. This description of Utopia is intended to categorically separate the island from any actual countries. However, despite More’s intentions, the island has more similarities to England than not. The island was originally connected to the mainland by an isthmus but ordered by Utopus, the first governor of Utopia, to be manually removed. This separation from the mainland is similar to England’s separation from the continent of Europe. Early …show more content…
However, for a country that he describes in such isolationist terms, Utopia has a surprisingly strong foreign policy. The Utopians regularly interact with neighboring countries; however, it is on their terms. The Utopians believe in the good of the commonwealth and relentlessly endeavor to safeguard this. In order to safeguard the commonwealth, Utopians regularly forgo treaties and forming alliances with other countries, which to them implies conflict. Despite its appearance, this intentional separation from other countries still connects Utopia to England. It is Hythloday’s understanding of alliances that is inaccurate in the technical sense of the term, which leads him to think Utopians have an aversion to other countries. Hythloday’s understanding of an alliance appears to stem only from a political standpoint; however, an alliance simply means a relationship between people or groups that share a common interest. This definition can extend to friendships, business, politics, etc. More’s England has several alliances established with Scotland, France and Spain. Utopia was no different. The Utopians understood the benefits of forming “friendships” with other countries, such as financial assistance and military …show more content…
According to Hythloday, although the Utopians “despise war as an activity fit only for beasts”, they are trained, ready and willing “to fight should the need arise” (629). This is where Hythloday’s definition of alliance contradicts with Utopian practice but connects with England. The Utopians –and England- go to war for the following reasons: to protect their land, to protect friends from an invading army, avenge previous injuries and restitution for friends who have been extorted by other countries (629). The Utopians willingness to fight on behalf of others, without the benefit of a formal treaty, effectively shows the Utopians have and will form alliances for the benefit of the country. This willingness to fight is no different than England’s willingness to fight on behalf of Spain against France in the Four Year’s War, in which Spain was victorious thanks to England (Marshall). England and Utopia’s formation of alliances further illustrates an ideal society’s need to connect with England’s soldier-like grip over others for the greater good of the
Dr. Sircy
Eng 358
November 21, 2014
Word Count:
In This Together Thomas More’sUtopia is a
More’s initial description of Utopia is that of a man-made island, enclosed by a large harbor. The harbor is used for import and travel, but makes external contact with the island virtually impossible. This description of Utopia is intended to categorically separate the island from any actual countries. However, despite More’s intentions, the island has more similarities to England than not. The island was originally connected to the mainland by an isthmus but ordered by Utopus, the first governor of Utopia, to be manually removed. This separation from the mainland is similar to England’s separation from the continent of Europe. Early …show more content…
However, for a country that he describes in such isolationist terms, Utopia has a surprisingly strong foreign policy. The Utopians regularly interact with neighboring countries; however, it is on their terms. The Utopians believe in the good of the commonwealth and relentlessly endeavor to safeguard this. In order to safeguard the commonwealth, Utopians regularly forgo treaties and forming alliances with other countries, which to them implies conflict. Despite its appearance, this intentional separation from other countries still connects Utopia to England. It is Hythloday’s understanding of alliances that is inaccurate in the technical sense of the term, which leads him to think Utopians have an aversion to other countries. Hythloday’s understanding of an alliance appears to stem only from a political standpoint; however, an alliance simply means a relationship between people or groups that share a common interest. This definition can extend to friendships, business, politics, etc. More’s England has several alliances established with Scotland, France and Spain. Utopia was no different. The Utopians understood the benefits of forming “friendships” with other countries, such as financial assistance and military …show more content…
According to Hythloday, although the Utopians “despise war as an activity fit only for beasts”, they are trained, ready and willing “to fight should the need arise” (629). This is where Hythloday’s definition of alliance contradicts with Utopian practice but connects with England. The Utopians –and England- go to war for the following reasons: to protect their land, to protect friends from an invading army, avenge previous injuries and restitution for friends who have been extorted by other countries (629). The Utopians willingness to fight on behalf of others, without the benefit of a formal treaty, effectively shows the Utopians have and will form alliances for the benefit of the country. This willingness to fight is no different than England’s willingness to fight on behalf of Spain against France in the Four Year’s War, in which Spain was victorious thanks to England (Marshall). England and Utopia’s formation of alliances further illustrates an ideal society’s need to connect with England’s soldier-like grip over others for the greater good of the