The Accessibility of Utopia to Modern Day Readers

The Accessibility of Utopia to Modern Day Readers

Sir Thomas More’s “Utopia” was written around 500 odd years ago in a different country and language, yet it is still a valid link to a contemporary understanding of the nature of human beings, of social norms, and morals. Through More's Utopia, it becomes evident that the trans-historical and trans-cultural nature of the text emerges through More's conscious and subconscious inclusion of universal human truths, in particular those of happiness, money and values, which allows the reader a higher quality of textual engagement and insight.

While More may be intending to simply tell the story of a traveler's voyages and sagas, it is his inclusion of these certain universal values and beliefs that readily transcend from his 15th century pen to the my understanding of the story.  In the text itself, a surprising incorporation by More is the inclusion of himself as an actual major character, with the other being the protagonist Raphael Hythlodaeus, a bearded traveler of the world. The inclusion of More in the story is one of the reasons why the story is so accessible. The character of More certainly reflects Sir Thomas More and due to Sir More’s ability to incorporate his beliefs, the story begins to exhibit a greater meaning. It is due to More’s pure genius partially.

Another way that the story survives throughout time is through many of the underlying themes. One theme being the difference between a person’s moral take on society and the real take on society. Everyone has an idea of what they expect or want society to be like. Then, there is the reality of society. This difference can strain people and frustrate them. Utopia is so easy to relate to because everybody wants to have their ideal society realized. It can be argued that More’s Utopia didn’t totally match his ideal. However, it was a society that he was much more accepting of.

One tool that More effectively uses is satire to connect modern day readers. Satire like More’s is used today which makes it very relatable. The Colbert Report is an excellent example of the use of political satire which More would probably greatly appreciate. The name “Utopia” literally means “no place” which sets the tone for the stories satirical nature. One example of satire that relates to modern day satire is when the Utopians ban their lawyers because they are "clever practitioners and sly interpreters of the law." This is a satirical remark because it is both funny, yet sets the standard talk about something serious. Other satirical remarks that can relate to modern readers are criticisms of church practices, political corruption, and social ills. Parody and humor allow More to expose areas of legitimate concern, even if it is indirectly. Political satire usually stirs an opinion in any person which is possibly the strongest connecting theme of them all.