Socialism and Thomas Mores Utopia Essay - 2345 Words

Socialism and Thomas Mores Utopia Socialist ideals have recurred throughout the history of literature; from Plato to Marx the elusive goal of a perfect state has occupied some of the best minds in political thought manifesting itself in literature. In the midst of this historic tradition is the Utopia of More, a work which links the utopias of the ancient with the utopias of the modern. Hythlodays fantasy island draws heavily on the Greek Republic and yet it influenced the revolutionary world of Marx. What values do the Utopians hold which are in common with other socialist utopian values, and which ideals of theirs are unique? If one characteristic could be found which distinguishes a socialist†¦show more content†¦More points out that if someone was dressed in finer material, he would not be better protected against the cold, nor would he appear better dressed to the Utopians. In addition, to prevent any manner of ostentation, the Utopians exchange homes every ten years and eat together in mess halls. Hereditary distinctions do not exist because children are easily moved around from household to household, depending on which occupation he would like to learn. Since there is very little distinction in occupation, dress, lodging, riches, or use of free time, pride is almost non-existent in Utopia. Like the communes of Leninist Russia, Utopia maintains collective farms. This is an example of the Utopian division of labour. Everyone learns the rudiments of agriculture, so that he may better serve the common good. No one will have to do this hard work against his will for more than two years, but many of them ask to stay longer because they take a natural delight in farm life. [More 29] It is like this that the continuance of the Utopian food supply is assured ,without cutting off any of the people from the civilized life. With many other examples from the text it can be shown that the division of labour is always equal. This is echoed in Marx when he says, From each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs. But Mores Utopia differs from Marxs concept in that theShow MoreRelatedUtopia, by Thomas More: Your Wost Nightmare Essay1419 Words   |  6 PagesUtopia is a brilliant novel written by Thomas More. The idea of a utopia seems impossible, how can an yone live in a perfect place when perfection is in the eyes of the beholder? The Utopia in this novel is nothing more than abundant of already established ideas therefore it can’t not truly be a Utopia. The abolition of private property is one of Mores chief criticisms of Utopia; it seems to mimic the common understandings of communism, which Thomas More’s character Raphael has been accused of protectingRead More Thomas Mores Utopia Essay example1441 Words   |  6 Pages Throughout Thomas Mores Utopia, he is able to successfully criticize many of the political, social, and economic ways of the time. His critique of feudalism and capitalism would eventually come back to haunt him, but would remain etched in stone forever. On July 6, 1535, by demand of King Henry VIII, More was beheaded for treason. His last words stood as his ultimate feeling about royalty in the 15th and 16th centuries, The Kings good servant, but Gods first. 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