“Their willingness to learn, I think, is the really important reason for their being better gov-erned and living more happily than we do, though we are not inferior to them in brains or re-sources” (More 545). This statement in the sixteenth century book Utopia points to an interesting message embedded within the text. From the beginning of the book, the plot is really about the discussion of the ideas behind the Utopian way of life more than Utopia itself. Though the element of discovering the land of “Utopia” is there, Utopia as a whole is more about learning to open your mind to dreaming up new possibilities and discussing them with others. In the article “A Definition of Utopia,” this idea is expanded upon, “Utopia represents in fact one of the no-blest aspirations of man. What could be of more significance in the history of civilization than that man, since he first began to think and write, has continued ever to dream of a better world and, to speculate as to its possible nature, and to communicate his longings to other men in the hope that the ideal might, at least in part, become reality?” (Negley and Patrick 108). Utopia il-lustrates more than an attempt to expose flaws within society, it is an open invitation for dialogue between opposing viewpoints in order that they may learn from each other and help to create a better world.
Utopia does not operate under the illusion that such discussions between traditionally opposing sides will result in total agreement, nor that they will always be amicable. Rather, it stresses the point that despite the inevitability of conflict, differing perspectives should continue to strive to work together for the possibility of greater good. This is demonstrated when Hythloday’s consistent arguing against being able to share his knowledge is ironically refuted in his obvious desire to do so (He left the island of Utopia for the express reason of sharing his newfound ideas with others). More’s attempt to persuade Hythloday to speak his own thoughts and ideas, while not always agreeing with them, also indicates the meaning behind the dialogue within the story. In fact, the extent to which More reserves space within the book specifically for dialogue be-tween characters is evidence of its importance. The more they talk with each other, argue, and discuss one another’s thoughts, the more the book progresses and is able to point out the good and bad within each point of view.
The dialogue within Utopia presents multiple points of view on the world and how life should be lived. The book does not end with a conclusion as to what the “best” ideas are or even with a final winner in the discussion between More, Hythloday and Giles. That would be to miss the point. Instead, it illustrates a method of discussion, in order to attempt to answer some of the deep questions in the world. Though many people have tried to analyze Utopia and fit it into categories of political significance, the dialogue points to alternative meanings within the book. This message of conversation between people is central to the storyline and deserves attention with every reading. This view on Utopia may not seems as exciting as a more literal interpreta-tion of More’s outlook on life, however it seems to cut right to the heart of the story.
There is no question that portions, at least, of the descriptions of the fictional land of Utopia are absurd and impractical in reality. In fact More touches on this in his final letter to Peter Giles, “Aren’t there any absurdities elsewhere in the world? And haven’t most of the philosophers who’ve written about society, a ruler, or even the office of private citizen, managed to say some-thing that needs correcting?” (589). He is again reiterating that the point is not that Utopia offers foolproof solutions, but that it offers an opportunity for discussion. Near the end of the story, the character of Thomas More admits that he is not entirely convinced of the utopian ideal of life and that he still considers some of the ideas put forth to be questionable (588). Here, even within the story, More indicates the acceptance of alternate positions while staying true to his own beliefs (whether they portray the character of Thomas More or the More in reality).
The concept of dialogue between people is itself also debated within the storyline; is it profitable to do so or not? Hythloday argues that often it is not, “If a man should suggest something he had read of in other places or seen in far places, the other counselors would think their reputation for wisdom was endangered, and they would look like simpletons, unless they could find fault with his proposal” (528). He goes on to say that he will not speak to those who are secure in their opposition of his ideas by telling a story of a previous encounter with the archbishop of Canterbury (529). In this story, Hythloday presents his ideas on the punishment of thieves and is somewhat made fun of by those included in the conversation. However, when some of his ideas are taken seriously by the archbishop, the others suddenly praise the ideas presented because they come from someone respected, rather than from Hythloday. Hythloday uses this encounter to prove that attempting to sway the minds of those who are against you is a futile pursuit. It is, however, clear that he does not take this position to the extreme, because he appears content to argue his case with More, who does not necessarily agree with all of his ideas.
The character of Thomas More assumes the opposite view; affirming the concept of speaking to those you might influence, even if they are against you, “Yet I think if you would devote your time and energy to public affairs, you would do a thing worthy of a generous and philosophical nature, even if you did not much like it” (528). He understands that not everyone will be con-vinced, but tries to persuade Hythloday that he can still be of use to the world if he will only openly share his ideas. There is a bit of a tug-of-war between perspectives, with opponents occa-sionally switching sides as they come to see the other’s point of view. This statement of More’s illustrates the tug-of-war, “To tell you the truth, I don’t think you should offer advice or thrust on people ideas of this sort that you know will not be listened to. What good will it do?” (541). The two of them, with occasional input from Giles, continue back and forth for some time, each pre-senting their own case.
Eventually, a middle ground is somewhat discussed and emphasized, one that addresses the appropriate time, place and tone for which such discussions between parties must take place in order to be productive. More’s character is the one who proposes this middle ground, and though Hythloday remains somewhat unconvinced, the argument hangs in the air as an interesting proposition, “And don’t arrogantly force strange ideas on people who you know have set their minds on a different course from yours...Handle the situation tactfully, and thus what you cannot turn into good, you may at least make as little bad as possible. For it is impossible to make eve-rything good unless you make all men good...” (542). Soon after this, Hythloday is convinced enough of the other men’s desire to learn of his knowledge and experience that he begins to tell of the Utopians and their world.
There has been some question as to whether or not the dialogue within Utopia is meant as a serious discussion or rather a more lighthearted view of several different perspectives. C.S. Lewis eloquently argues that, “it appears confused only so long as we are trying to get out of it what it never intended to give. It becomes intelligible and delightful as soon as we take it for what it is—a holiday work, a spontaneous overflow of intellectual high spirits, a revel of debate, paradox, comedy and (above all) of invention, which starts many hares and kills none” (68). This again points out the idea that Utopia is not a book intended to answer questions, but to raise them and request their discussion. The story of Utopia with its creativity and debate offers a unique look into the concept of discourse between those of opposite convictions. It invites people to-gether in the hope that they can learn to dream from each other.
Works Cited
Lewis, C.S. “A Play of Wit.” Twentieth Century Interpretations of Utopia. William Nelson. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice-Hall Inc, 1968. 66-69.
More, Sir Thomas. “Utopia.” The Norton Anthology of English Literature. Stephan Greenblatt. New York: W.W. Norton & Company Inc, 2006. 521-590.
Negley, G.R. and J. Max Patrick. “A Definition of Utopia.” Twentieth Century Interpretations of Utopia. William Nelson. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice-Hall Inc, 1968. 108-109.
