University:
Alcorn State University
Course:
EN 213 | Studies in Literature
Academic year:

2019
Views:

83

Pages:

10
Author:

StellarSymphony

Utopia & Dystopia Discuss: § What is utopia? § What makes something utopian? Definition of Utopia § An ideal place or state § Any visionary system of political or social perfection. § Utopia is a synonym for paradise. Utopia in Philosophy § The word “utopia” is Greek in origin. § It first came into popular usage in 1516. § Sir Thomas More, an English author and philosopher, named his book Utopia. § Official title of book: “De optimo rei publicae statu deque nova insula Utopia” § Translation: “Of a republic’s best state and the new island of Utopia.” Basic Plot: § More inserted himself in his narrative, having an extended conversation with a world traveler and philosopher named Hythloday. § Hythloday explains his travels around the world and then his discovery of Utopia. § The conversation turns to comparing current English laws and practices to those of the fictitious and perfect Utopia. § Every law or practice that More disagreed with was put right in Utopia. Map of Utopia In Animal Farm… § In Animal Farm, the animals have created, or attempted to create, a Utopia. § They did so by writing down the Seven Commandments of Animalism, or their core rules for a perfect society. § You now have the opportunity to do the same. The Seven Commandments Activity: § STAGE ONE: § You have been given the opportunity to make your own Utopia. § On the sheet provided, write down YOUR SEVEN LAWS for UTOPIA. § What would make your perfect society? Discussion: § Statistically, it is very unlikely that you and your partner’s rules will match. § Why do you suppose people’s laws were different? Definition of Utopia: § Utopia is a Greek word. It is made up of a root and two potential prefixes. § Scholars cannot decide which prefix came first. § The root is topos – meaning place. *Example word: topographical. § Because of the two different prefixes, the word “utopia” has two meanings.