Sir Thomas More's Utopia Book I is actually more interesting than I initially thought it would be. I thought it would have an entirely instructional tone to it, but it doesn't. It's a conversation among men who disagree about what has caused the decline of their country and what should be done to remedy it. It brings up some interesting points such as whether or not they (or we) should use their greatest attributes for the greater good of their country (serving their ruler in this case), and exactly what is the best way to punish criminals? It raises serious, controversial, and thought-provoking questions that can still produce a great amount of discussion in today's society.
But honestly, the part that I enjoyed most was the brief letter to Peter Giles. It was full of silly excuses - something I would not have expected from someone as highly regarded at Thomas More. He explains why it has taken him a year to what what originally should have taken him a month. He says that "the task [of writing] was rendered impossible by my many other obligations" (522). He states various reasons such as work, visitations, and other "business." But in the next paragraph he states: "when I get home I have to talk with my wife, chatter with my children, and and consult with the servants. All these matters I consider part of my business, since they have to be done, unless a man wants to be stranger in his own house" (522). I found this passage to be very humorous and interesting (even if it's not truly autobiographical). It's slightly humorous because he describes his familial obligations as business that has taken him away from such important matters in life as writing about Utopia (and I hope my husband never talks about me and the kids like that). But this is interesting because it gives us some insight on a slightly more personal aspect of his life. This man recognized the importance of family and made a conscious effort to be a part of it - even if he does claim that he was simply conducting "business" (which I'd like to not believe he truly viewed his family this way). Either way, I wish there were more pieces available about the typical family life during the Renaissance (from a more personal perspective anyway), but I suppose that's what research is for.
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