Sir Thomas More’s, Utopia, provides a deep, insightful view into the human character, it is a book I know well and very much appreciate, but I fear what might become of the men of England if this book is misconstrued. For the book is not intended to be a foreground for political reform, or the foundation for a colony in the new world. The intent of this book is purely satirical, and not to be taken seriously as his eminence, Archdeacon of Barnstable, has suggested. To interpret, Utopia, as anything more than satire, and a critical analysis of English society is not only an act of ignorance, but also could have a dangerous outcome if the book is implemented in any way outside the original purpose. Sir Thomas More did not intend to write a book
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Erasmus tells us not to be fooled, to be watchful of for if we do not see the book as it truly is, then the message he was trying to send is entirely lost. I also believe it important to note the meanings of the word, utopia, and Hythloday. In the ancient Greek tongue, utopia translates into, nowhere. So I ask parliament, if Utopia is nowhere, then how are we expected to find, let alone establish such a fictional land. Moving on to one of the central figures of the novel, Raphael Hythloday. Hythloday is a mysterious yet intriguing character in Utopia, and as the reader, we learn very little of his character besides his dress, and lands he’s explored and traveled to. The most important piece of information we can gather from him is in his last name, which translates to, peddler of nonsense. Sir Thomas More’s would not have chosen such a name if he did not wish to ensure that his book was not misinterpreted. Sir Thomas More indirectly informs us not to trust this shady character, otherwise he would not be the peddler of nonsense.
Utopia is a fine novel, but it is not an instruction manual for creating a colony. If any book should be used as a foundation for settlement in the New World, it should be built upon scripture, not a satirical book meant to teach us our vices through virtue. Utopia also provides no instruction on how to establish a perfect society, and since man is ordained as an imperfect being these ambitions are far above any action man could take to attempt and create such a
Erasmus tells us not to be fooled, to be watchful of for if we do not see the book as it truly is, then the message he was trying to send is entirely lost. I also believe it important to note the meanings of the word, utopia, and Hythloday. In the ancient Greek tongue, utopia translates into, nowhere. So I ask parliament, if Utopia is nowhere, then how are we expected to find, let alone establish such a fictional land. Moving on to one of the central figures of the novel, Raphael Hythloday. Hythloday is a mysterious yet intriguing character in Utopia, and as the reader, we learn very little of his character besides his dress, and lands he’s explored and traveled to. The most important piece of information we can gather from him is in his last name, which translates to, peddler of nonsense. Sir Thomas More’s would not have chosen such a name if he did not wish to ensure that his book was not misinterpreted. Sir Thomas More indirectly informs us not to trust this shady character, otherwise he would not be the peddler of nonsense.
Utopia is a fine novel, but it is not an instruction manual for creating a colony. If any book should be used as a foundation for settlement in the New World, it should be built upon scripture, not a satirical book meant to teach us our vices through virtue. Utopia also provides no instruction on how to establish a perfect society, and since man is ordained as an imperfect being these ambitions are far above any action man could take to attempt and create such a