Utopia Essay -- essays research papers fc

Thomas more(prenominal)s, Utopia is one of the most politically and socially influential texts to date. His audience, which ranges from academic and social scholars to college students, all can gain a different understanding of the work and its meaning. In order to in full compreh break off muchs message, one must have an appreciation for the beat and culture in which he lived. After grasping historic concepts, one reads Utopia, not as just a volume recount a pretended island society, but rather as a go over on a time of corruption and reformation. Throughout the entire text, more(prenominal)s personal views on the religion, politics, and economy of this turbulent time feed through the carefully plotted thread of this comminuted work. much is seen in history through many different lights. It is difficult to historically run the sixteenth century without mentioning muchs individual involvement as a key religious and political figure of the time. In his premature anima tion, he focuses mainly on his desire for priesthood. More lived in a monastery for years and pursued the pious life of the Carthusians only to abandon it for a political career. Many speculate that Mores reasons for leaving had to do with the corruption he witnessed in his time there and desire to contract in matrimony. The corruption and greed forming among the clergy is what triggered the Protestant Reformation, led by Martin Luther. Next, More entered into the political spotlight through parliament and as a verbaliser of the House of Commons, where he spent his energy encouraging the idea of license of speech. His next duty was Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancester, followed by the Lord Chancellor. both(prenominal) of these came towards the end of his political and judicial career when his views began to split from those of Henry VIII. Mores disagreement with the ideas of Henry VIII and the conversion to Lutheranism was eventually the end of him, when he was beheaded for refu sing to swear to the Oath of Supremacy and Act of Succession. He believed in the way of the Catholic Church till the end and stipendiary the ultimate sacrifice of his life. Evidence of Mores religious views is form throughout the text. He cleverly disguises his true opinions by inventing a fictitious traveler by the name of Raphael Hythloday, who the reader believes to be the originator of the motif ideas.... ... More spends a great deal of time in loudness 1 on a conversation in which Raphael is expressing sympathy for the poor. More was rumored to also display this tendency in his life. In Mores time, the poor were at their poorest while the rich were getting richer. Food, clothing, etc, became a luxury to the homeless peasants, who often resorted to thievery. In conclusion, More used an interesting word picture method to write a blatant critique of the societal constructs that he lived in. This was a dangerous task to undertake in a time when heresy and treason were punish able by death. Mores life achievements conflict with some of the views in his work, but that is why he calls it fiction. More lived a life of great determination and devotion. His strict lifestyle and critical analysis of the world that surrounded him served as the perfect exposition for a world that only existed in his mind. To close, a quote from Book I, Hythloday states, You must strive to influence policy indirectly, handle the situation tactfully, and thus what you cannot braid to good, you may at leastto the extent of your powersmake less risky(26). Works Cited