In the literary work Utopia, Sir Thomas More highlights the downfalls of elitist European-style government (particularly the English monarch, Henry VIII) and discusses other societal structures that appear to be a better alternative. By raising concerns over social vices, or as More calls them, “evils,” More indirectly opens the discussion to criticize England and King Henry VIII. Then, More defends his criticism by elaborating on the society of Utopia, emphasizing its superior traits to European society. Through this, More views his subject of Utopia (or rather, the socio-political system and ideals of Utopia) with the utmost esteem. Conversely, More’s bias against the English monarch is readily apparent as soon as the discourse becomes critical
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More, through Hythloday’s speeches, powerfully describes defects of English society and their solutions by discussing how Utopia has dealt with similar problems. These descriptions serve to reinforce More’s assertions. For example, Hythloday proposes that “the world [cannot] be happily governed” unless a constitution were “to limit the prince… and restrain the people” by removing the ability for individuals to own property (57). More then uses Hythloday’s elaborate language to describe an instance in Utopia that establishes the strength of his assertion. More uses figurative language sets a style of economic equality in Utopia by saying, “[Utopia’s socio-economic system] is the true cause of their being better governed and living happier than we, though we come not short of them in point of understanding or outward advantages” (60-61). His language and comparison between Utopia and England serves his central message by subtly noting the differences between (and the advantages and disadvantages of) the two countries’ systems. This style of Hythloday’s figurative descriptions therefore enacts More’s purposes of criticizing the English government to while suggesting more effective social and economic
More, through Hythloday’s speeches, powerfully describes defects of English society and their solutions by discussing how Utopia has dealt with similar problems. These descriptions serve to reinforce More’s assertions. For example, Hythloday proposes that “the world [cannot] be happily governed” unless a constitution were “to limit the prince… and restrain the people” by removing the ability for individuals to own property (57). More then uses Hythloday’s elaborate language to describe an instance in Utopia that establishes the strength of his assertion. More uses figurative language sets a style of economic equality in Utopia by saying, “[Utopia’s socio-economic system] is the true cause of their being better governed and living happier than we, though we come not short of them in point of understanding or outward advantages” (60-61). His language and comparison between Utopia and England serves his central message by subtly noting the differences between (and the advantages and disadvantages of) the two countries’ systems. This style of Hythloday’s figurative descriptions therefore enacts More’s purposes of criticizing the English government to while suggesting more effective social and economic