1. Christian Synthesis
1.1. The Christian aspect of the synthesis is Christ's gospel of caring for the poor, the oppressed and the downtrodden.
1.2. The Platonic, Republican tradition is the Greek aspect of the synthesis.
1.3. More wrote Utopia with a comedic tone, allowing him to speak his truth while telling a deeper story.
2. Overview
2.1. Thomas More's Utopia is a Christian-humanist view of an ideal society.
2.2. More does not simply offer a theoretical view, but provides specifics for how to create this world.
2.3. Utopia offers a Christianized form of Plato's Republic.
3. Seven Themes of More's Utopianism
3.1. How does Utopia use humor and parody?
3.1.1. The word Utopia means "nowhere."
3.1.2. Each community government group is called a sty, where pigs live. He's calling British society a bunch of little pigs.
3.2. How is property divided in Utopia? How does this affect society?
3.2.1. There is no private property in Utopia - it's all divided among the people. Goods are stored in warehouses and are given out by request. People stay in a home (with no locks) for ten years before rotating.
3.3. What is working life like in Utopia?
3.3.1. Agriculture is the most important aspect of society, with women doing the same farming work as men. In addition everyone must learn another essential trade: weaving (mainly done by the women), carpentry, metal smithing and masonry. These are all deliberately simple trades, as every citizen works six hours (or less) a day.
3.4. Why does Utopia use slavery?
3.4.1. Criminals and immigrants from other countries are made slaves. Each household has two slaves.
3.5. What is the government like in Utopia?
3.5.1. The island contains 54 towns, each with about 6000 households. The capital city, Amaurot, is located directly in the middle of the crescent island. Thirty households are grouped together and controlled by a Syphograntus ("Styward"), and 10 Stywards are overseen by a Traniborus ("Bencheater"). Each town has a mayor elected from among the ranks of the Bencheaters.
3.6. How is Utopia a social critique of Great Britain?
3.6.1. This is a perfect society and is nearly the opposite of British society. There is no private ownership in Utopia while Great Britain was full of greedy people who only cared about their position and possessions. There is religious tolerance and more equality between men and women.
3.7. How do people in Utopia find happiness?
3.7.1. During their leisure time they would apply themselves to studying; knowledge and learning brought happiness.