Utopia



=**__UTOPIA__**=

**__By: Sir Thomas More__**
In Utopia, Sir Thomas More offers a critique of the ruling style of monarchs like Henry VII, who would levy taxes and impose fines in a way that benefitted the royalty while simultaneously oppressing the poor. More approaches the problem by claiming that more financial equality not only aided the less wealthy, but also benefitted the royal family.

__**Review and Assessment Questions**__


 * 1.** **Respond:** Do you think More's ideas would lead to greater fairness?


 * More's ideas would obviously lead to greater fairness. If the royalty lived a less lavish existence, they would not place such a huge financial burden on the heads of the poor and the general public would have more money.


 * 2. (a) Recall:** What reason does More give for viewing poverty as a threat to a nation? **(b) Analyze:** How does he connect this notion to the idea that a king should rule for the sake his people?


 * **(a)** The reason More gives is that it causes unrest and conflict between the ruling and lower classes. **(b)** He connects this idea with the idea that a king should rule for the good of his people and that it is his duty to keep them from the danger and unrest that would rise from a rule like that of Henry VII.


 * 3. (a) Recall:** According to More, what does a king lose when he rules by "insults, ill-usage, confiscation, and impoverishment"? **(b) Infer:** What assumption about monarchs or the monarchy does this point reveal?


 * **(a)** According to More, when a king rules by "insults, ill-usage, etc.," he loses his dignity as a leader of his people. **(b)** This point reveals the assumption that monarchs are stately and honorable people who have the responsibility of ruling over their kingdom in a manner beneficial for all.

4. **Generalize:** Explain how More appeals to the self-interest and even the vanity of kings to strengthen his argument.


 * More appeals to the self-interest and vanity of kings by using phrases such as "It is less befitting the dignity of a king to reign over beggars than rich and happy subjects." and "He ought to shake off either his sloth or his pride, for the people's hatred and scorn arise from these faults in him."


 * 5. (a) Summarize:** What general rule for good leadership does More advocate in this selection? **(b) Apply:** How do More's views of good government resemble modern democratic ideals?


 * **(a)** More advocates that leaders should have the best interest of those under them in mind. **(b)** His views of government resemble modern democratic ideals in that both philosophies advocate leaders acting in a way that will benefit as many as possible. More's views also hold private property to be very important, another idea shared with proponents of democracy.