The fact that Hythloday places the discussion of conditions in England at the home of Cardinal Morton is interesting inasmuch as Thomas More was well acquainted with the cardinal, having lived at his home as a boy. It is natural, then, to read into this passage certain autobiographical echoes. Furthermore, it is impossible not to believe that Hythloday’s analysis of English laws and customs is an expression of More’s own views. Certainly the humanitarian attitude expressed regarding beggars, disabled veterans, the aged and infirm conforms to what we know of More’s character. The criticism of the role in society played by the aristocrats and their parasitic retinues is not so readily identified with More’s views but is subsequently to be shown as a basic aspect of the philosophy of the entire book. In fact, every point raised in Hythloday’s criticism of current practices in England is subtly preparing for the contrast to be drawn later on in the book between Europe and Utopia.
