An old saying has it that we should never discuss politics or religion at the dinner table, for they cause the most heated debates and could ruin even the best warm home-cooked meals. In any case, Thomas More must have not had an appetite when writing Utopia in 1516. Thomas More had one idea on his mind, to satirically criticize Europe's political corruption as well as the religious hypocrisy. More had never intended to create a template or even remotely contribute to the ideals of a perfect society, instead, Utopia was a conversation long overdue and meant to be had. This is indicated without even opening up the book. The word utopia is a pun of the greek word “eutopia”, which translates to good place and would have been a more appropriate
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These details ranging from several topics of everyday life are not concepts, but I believe a continuation of More’s satirical tone and most importantly, challenges to his readers. In these topics, More challenges the established social order and encourages readers to question the society they live in. For example, More uses gold and its symbols of power and wealth as something Utopians regard as childish. Something so valued in our world is dismissed as another penny on the street. He satirical points to gold and fine clothes and recognizes that these people are invested in existential worthless materials. I believe More knew that this concept was not going to be popular or even considered, but he includes this to mock the nobility and create a conversation about social inferiority. The conversation that because a man or woman has this minute piece of the earth makes them better and can give them a life of leisure. Again, it is not a strive to create a perfect society, but in this case, it questions social …show more content…
According to the article, “Sir Thomas More Unmasked!,” Thomas Moore was a Catholic who was so extreme he “whipped himself frequently and wore a hair shirt next to his skin to torture himself. In this way, he believed that he was atoning for his many sins.” He also refused to attend Anne Boleyn’s coronation because of King Henry VIII offense and rejection of Catholicism. On the other hand, in Utopia, he is not strict on the idea of one true religion. He presents an idea of religious tolerance, something that significantly contributes to his sarcastic made-up perfect society. He says, “There are several sorts of religions, not only in different parts of the island, but even in every town; some worshipping the sun, others the moon or one of the planets. Some worship such men as have been eminent in former times for virtue or glory, not only as ordinary deities, but as the supreme god” (634). It would be strange to see in Utopia that he credits the idea of religious tolerance as a contributor to the efforts toward a peaceful society. Which is why More intended it to be sarcastic. It is ludicrous that all these religions are accepted and in Europe two religions cannot even find peace. More is a proven Catholic and I strongly believe his perfect society would only include his religion. In a society torn between Protestantism and Catholicism, Thomas Moore’s actions show that
These details ranging from several topics of everyday life are not concepts, but I believe a continuation of More’s satirical tone and most importantly, challenges to his readers. In these topics, More challenges the established social order and encourages readers to question the society they live in. For example, More uses gold and its symbols of power and wealth as something Utopians regard as childish. Something so valued in our world is dismissed as another penny on the street. He satirical points to gold and fine clothes and recognizes that these people are invested in existential worthless materials. I believe More knew that this concept was not going to be popular or even considered, but he includes this to mock the nobility and create a conversation about social inferiority. The conversation that because a man or woman has this minute piece of the earth makes them better and can give them a life of leisure. Again, it is not a strive to create a perfect society, but in this case, it questions social …show more content…
According to the article, “Sir Thomas More Unmasked!,” Thomas Moore was a Catholic who was so extreme he “whipped himself frequently and wore a hair shirt next to his skin to torture himself. In this way, he believed that he was atoning for his many sins.” He also refused to attend Anne Boleyn’s coronation because of King Henry VIII offense and rejection of Catholicism. On the other hand, in Utopia, he is not strict on the idea of one true religion. He presents an idea of religious tolerance, something that significantly contributes to his sarcastic made-up perfect society. He says, “There are several sorts of religions, not only in different parts of the island, but even in every town; some worshipping the sun, others the moon or one of the planets. Some worship such men as have been eminent in former times for virtue or glory, not only as ordinary deities, but as the supreme god” (634). It would be strange to see in Utopia that he credits the idea of religious tolerance as a contributor to the efforts toward a peaceful society. Which is why More intended it to be sarcastic. It is ludicrous that all these religions are accepted and in Europe two religions cannot even find peace. More is a proven Catholic and I strongly believe his perfect society would only include his religion. In a society torn between Protestantism and Catholicism, Thomas Moore’s actions show that