Utopia
Number of lessons: 10; compatible text for study guide: Dover Publications ISBN 0486295834 (you may order the text below). Guide prepared by Robert W. Watson.
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Note: This guide is included in the course, A Survey of British Literature.
The word utopia was created by Sir Thomas More. Utopia comes from two Greek words, ou and topos, which mean literally, “no place.” As you read Utopia, you will agree that the land described by More is truly no place that any person has ever known. Yet, it has been the mark not only of early American history, but of recent times as well, that many idealists experimented with creating ideal societies, all ending in failure. Whether completely separating oneself in a closed community like monasteries or in communes where everyone shared in all production and benefits, utopianism is based on a false foundation, the defects of this foundation being discussed more fully in this guide with the various notes.
Note: This guide is included in the course, A Survey of British Literature.
The word utopia was created by Sir Thomas More. Utopia comes from two Greek words, ou and topos, which mean literally, “no place.” As you read Utopia, you will agree that the land described by More is truly no place that any person has ever known. Yet, it has been the mark not only of early American history, but of recent times as well, that many idealists experimented with creating ideal societies, all ending in failure. Whether completely separating oneself in a closed community like monasteries or in communes where everyone shared in all production and benefits, utopianism is based on a false foundation, the defects of this foundation being discussed more fully in this guide with the various notes.