CliffsNotes on

Utopia & Utopian Literature

Search this CliffsNote

Book Summary for Utopia

Sir Thomas More Biography

Life of Sir Thomas More
Other Works of Thomas More

About Utopia and Utopian Literature

Historical Background
The Utopian Theme
Utopian Literature Before More
Utopian Literature After More
Anti-Utopias
Established Utopian Communities
Publication Data for More's Utopia

Summary and Analysis for Book I: The Dialogue of Counsel

Setting the Stage
Opening of the Discussion
The Meeting at Cardinal Morton's House
Hypothetical Meeting of the French Council
The Council for Financial Affairs
More Versus Hythloday on Public Service

Summary and Analysis for Book II: The Discourse on Utopia

Geographical Features of Utopia
Country Life
The Cities
Officials
Occupations
Population Control
Markets
Community Life
Travel
The Economy
Learning
Philosophy
Slavery
Euthanasia
Marriage and Divorce
Laws
Treaties and Alliances
War
Religion
Peroration
More's Concluding Observation

Read the Original Text for Utopia

Introduction
Section 1: Discourses of Raphael Hythloday, of the Best State of a Commonwealth
Section 2: Of Their Towns, Particularly of Amaurot
Section 3: Of Their Magistrates
Section 4: Of Their Trades, and Manner of Life
Section 5: Of Their Traffic
Section 6: Of the Travelling of the Utopians
Section 7: Of Their Slaves, and of Their Marriages
Section 8: Of Their Military Discipline
Section 9: Of the Religions of the Utopians

Critical Essays

The Composition of Utopia

Study and Homework Help

Quiz
Essay Questions

Cite this Literature Note

CliffsNotes To Go Sweepstakes -- Enter Now to Win an iPod touch Loaded with Cliffs Study Apps

Which would you consider the most influential woman of the last 100 years?

Anne Frank
Mother Teresa
Oprah Winfrey
Princess Diana
Rosa Parks

View Results

Summary and Analysis for Book I: The Dialogue of Counsel

Opening of the Discussion

When Giles and More learn how many nations, primitive as well as civilized, Raphael Hythloday has visited, and recognize how seriously he has examined their several governments, they urge him to enter the council of some monarch in order to place his knowledge at the service of mankind. Hythloday declines and explains at length why he is unwilling to undertake such employment. At first he gives the impression that he is reluctant to give up his present easy way of living, free from responsibilities, but subsequently it becomes clear that he does not believe his counsel would be heeded or appreciated.

CliffsNotes® To Go
Literature reviews for the iPhone™ & iPod touch® help you study anywhere, anytime.
Learn more now!
The Ultimate Learning Experience!
WATCH the film and READ the lit note for a fast way to study!
Learn more!