Utopia: A Society of Equality and Shared Prosperity
Book One: Dialogue and Discourse
Setting the Stage: Thomas More shares a dialogue with Peter Giles, recounting their conversation with the insightful traveler, Raphael Hythloday. Hythloday’s experiences in the distant land of Utopia form the core of the narrative. More addresses Giles in a letter, explaining the book’s purpose and requesting feedback. He also mentions his encounter with Juan Clemente and asks Giles to encourage Hythloday to verify the written account.
Hythloday’s Perspective: Hythloday discusses his travels and explains his reluctance to serve kings. He critiques the focus on warfare and the rigid adherence to tradition in royal courts. He recounts a conversation with John Morton, Archbishop of Canterbury, about theft and its societal causes. Hythloday argues that poverty and inequality drive people to steal and proposes solutions such as curbing the wealthy’s excesses, promoting agriculture, and reducing idleness. He criticizes the death penalty and advocates for providing everyone with a livelihood.
Book Two: The Utopian Republic
An Island of Equals: Hythloday describes Utopia’s geography, its equal distribution of land, and the rotation of inhabitants between city and countryside. He details the city of Amaurote, its layout, and the absence of private gardens.
Amaurote and Its Governance
Magistrates and Administration: Hythloday explains the Utopian system of governance, with Phylarchs and Tranibors overseeing groups of families. He describes the council meetings and the Senate’s role in decision-making.
Work and Daily Life
Trades and Occupations: Every Utopian learns agriculture from childhood and specializes in a craft. Families produce their own clothing, and the Syphogrants ensure everyone contributes. Leisure time is spent reading, and work is limited to six hours a day. Hythloday describes the simple clothing and the emphasis on intellectual pursuits.
Social Interactions and Customs
Relationships and Community: Family structures resemble the Roman paterfamilias model, with a maximum of 16 members. Those who break the laws are expelled. The city is divided into four zones with a central market. Money is absent, and meals are communal. Elders engage in meaningful conversations, and mealtimes are structured. In the countryside, meals are individual.
Travel and Exploration
Voyages and Communication: Utopians travel with letters from their prince specifying their return date.
Social Issues and Practices
Slavery, Healthcare, and Marriage: Criminals from other states become slaves in Utopia, while impoverished workers are treated well. The sick receive excellent care, and death is viewed as a release from suffering. Suicide requires Senate approval. Women marry at 18, men at 22. Premarital sex brings shame upon the parents. Prospective spouses view each other naked before marriage. Serious crimes are punished with slavery. Laws are few and accessible to all, and the prince is treated like any other citizen.
Warfare and Defense
Conflict and Diplomacy: Utopians engage in war only for defense, to protect their borders, expel enemies, and assist allies.
Religious Beliefs and Practices
Faith and Spirituality: Religious diversity exists in Utopia. Most believe in a single, unknowable deity called “Father.” Two main sects exist: one celibate and ascetic, the other valuing marriage and pleasure. Priests are few and serve as advisors and educators. Holidays mark the first and last days of the year.
More’s Reflections
Concluding Thoughts: More reflects on the publication of his book and the skepticism it has encountered. He suggests that doubters should inquire about Raphael Hythloday, who is still alive.
Analysis and Interpretation
Utopia’s Significance: More’s Utopia represents a philosophical exploration of ideal societies. His skepticism towards speculative philosophy is balanced by his faith in Christian philosophy. Utopia’s practicality distinguishes it from the more idealistic visions of Erasmus and Valdés.