Utopian texts attempt to caution society of its flaws through the portrayal of radical ideals and values. This is inherent in Thomas More’s Utopia, which highlights idiosyncratic corruption and greed of 16th century England in contrast with an ideal egalitarian society. Utopia illustrates the idea of public ownership, using verisimilitude to present it as a more viable method of social organisation compared to private ownership in the Monarchy. Furthermore, the text questions the nature of political governance as a result of human egotism through the characters of Raphael and Peter Gilles. Correspondingly, More highlights the shortcomings of the English feudalist system by examining the flagrant disparities which are created between social
…show more content…
Verisimilitude is established in the introduction of the novel with a fabricated Utopian alphabet and various letters which create a sense of authenticity of More’s opinions, while shielding himself from the repercussions of criticising the monarchy. More implicitly criticises the corrupt principles of King Henry VII through the satirical depiction of a mock debate between himself and Raphael – who acts as a mouthpiece. Utopia confronts corruption in society through the simile of the noblemen who “live like drones on the labour of other people” in order to present the exploitation of the lower class at the benefit of the wealthy. This inequality between social classes is further reinforced in the hyperbole, “everything goes down their throats”, which reflects society’s vulnerability to the manipulation of the wealthy present during his time. More questions the materialistic values of the government, criticising the Monarchy for exploitations of its citizens for monetary profit through the analogy of “a shepherds’ job is to feed his sheep, not himself.” This is juxtaposed with the principles and values attributed to Utopia, with paradox that “nobody owns anything but everyone is rich” to demonstrate high regard for spiritual values in the accumulation “cheerfulness, peace of mind and freedom of anxiety”. Furthermore, inversion on the worth of gold and jewellery in Utopia ridicules their value in English society, as “gold chains and fetters weigh down their slaves and jewellery as toys for children”. This exaggerates the worthlessness of gold and accentuates the high classes’ superficiality in demanding these goods. Through the establishment of an ideal egalitarian society to underpin the societal and political corruption of values in his social context, More
Verisimilitude is established in the introduction of the novel with a fabricated Utopian alphabet and various letters which create a sense of authenticity of More’s opinions, while shielding himself from the repercussions of criticising the monarchy. More implicitly criticises the corrupt principles of King Henry VII through the satirical depiction of a mock debate between himself and Raphael – who acts as a mouthpiece. Utopia confronts corruption in society through the simile of the noblemen who “live like drones on the labour of other people” in order to present the exploitation of the lower class at the benefit of the wealthy. This inequality between social classes is further reinforced in the hyperbole, “everything goes down their throats”, which reflects society’s vulnerability to the manipulation of the wealthy present during his time. More questions the materialistic values of the government, criticising the Monarchy for exploitations of its citizens for monetary profit through the analogy of “a shepherds’ job is to feed his sheep, not himself.” This is juxtaposed with the principles and values attributed to Utopia, with paradox that “nobody owns anything but everyone is rich” to demonstrate high regard for spiritual values in the accumulation “cheerfulness, peace of mind and freedom of anxiety”. Furthermore, inversion on the worth of gold and jewellery in Utopia ridicules their value in English society, as “gold chains and fetters weigh down their slaves and jewellery as toys for children”. This exaggerates the worthlessness of gold and accentuates the high classes’ superficiality in demanding these goods. Through the establishment of an ideal egalitarian society to underpin the societal and political corruption of values in his social context, More