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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A 10 page paper which examines how Thomas More’s “Utopia” can be read as a reflection of early Tudor society and as a commentary on the transition from Medieval to early modern Europe. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Page Count:
10 pages (~225 words per page)
File: TG15_TGuttud.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
but one that must be undertaken in order for the society to continue evolving and successfully meeting the needs of its members. This was the world of author, politician,
religious activist and humanist Thomas More. He understood that he and his contemporaries were poised upon the precipice of a modern society. But there is always that nagging
and completely human fear of the unknown, which More freely expressed, as well as his criticisms and suggestions, in his landmark literary and sociopolitical treatise, Utopia, which was first published
in 1516. While the title has become synonymous with the ideal society, it was actually a reflection of Englands early Tudor society, and in particular, the widespread corruption that
was paralyzing Mores homeland economically and socially. The Tudor regime, which began with the reign of Henry VII and officially ended with Elizabeth I, was nearly completely dependent upon
commerce and trade for its survival, as was English society (Kautsky, 1959). The monarchy thrived on absolute power, which was their way of reinforcing its authority as well as
protecting its most valuable property, which was controlling land ownership (Kautsky, 1959). Although this posed a distinct threat to English citizens, as long as the economy were flourishing, they
reasoned they were prospering as well, so there was no need for rebellion (Kautsky, 1959). However, as Thomas More knew only too well, complacency ultimately leads to tyranny.
Utopia was, specifically, Mores diatribe against the oppressive policies of Henry VIII. In his text, Thomas More, R.W. Chambers (1958) observed, "Henry would make his subjects too poor to
rebel... Henry plundered churches to provide jewels to wear on his own person: the Utopians, ruler and people alike, are dressed with complete simplicity, whilst all the churches and public
...