Disclaimer: This marks the beginning of my horrible interpretation/analysis of utopia, therefore I apologize for what you are about to read... that is, if you choose to do so, for it is your choice. There is still enough time for you to get out...
4....3....2....1... Too Late!
Note: In order for me to actually get through the assigned passages, I made myself to believe that Sir Thomas More was a dashing knight on top of his stunning paladin with his lance in hand and Raphael was actually a Traveling Mutant Ninja Turtle. Together they fight dragons and rescue lovely damsels in distress and the conversation they have takes place during their quest. I suppose the Cardinal is just some red bird flying around annoying the two heroes. Anyways... on to what really matters!
1. It all begins, at least for me, on page 3. 'Twas a new scene to More, for Raphael described it as the air less burning, mild weather, fertile soil, the beasts were less wild, and the nations, towns and cities traded not only mutual commerce, but by land and sea in far off, remote areas. They went anywhere and everywhere that they were welcome.
- A world like this sounds alot like America, except now we seem to be gaining more enemies rather than friends.
2. Peter seems to be confused as to why Raphael has traveled to several different kingdoms, yet he does not enter in to king's service. Raphael states that he does not want to enslave himself to a king, for he has moved freely to nations in order to pay his friends what they deserved.
- Being free feels rather amazing but limiting yourself to serving only a government is not a life for me. The choice to serve it is endowed withing this freedom, therefore I'm somewhat wishy-washy with this theory.
3. Thieves receive the same punishments as murderers. Idle noblemen are just like tieves, for they dwell in the wealth of their lord. Once the lord has past, nobility goes down the drain and no one wants to associate with them.
- Thievery should require a less harsh of a judgement than death, for they could bring actual benefit to the world with the proper help (rehabilitation). This could also open up new jobs to the economy. Yay productive economy!
4. There is constant expansion of pastures while kicking the inhabitants further and further away, or else terminating them. The peoples are often tricked into losing their possessions and money, so they must result to thievery or begging.
- It's an ugly world out there and its rank breath keeps irritating me. Usually they are to be thrown in jail for thievery, yet no one will hire a miserable peasant.
5. Punishment for thieves among the Polylerits was for them to make restitution to the owner for the amount of their stolen goods Their possessions are left to their family while they remain free as they work as a community servant. If they are found idle, they are whipped or chained.
- This policy is great for building character. The thief has time to think about what they have done and receive labor experience, yet I would probably change the punishment for the idle. Being whipped does not seem too humane... or does it?
6. The friends and family of thieves may give them meat, drink, and clothes of the proper color, but if money is exchanged, death is to be dealt to both the giver and taker. The (so called) slaves cannot handle arms or money. If anyone helps to spot criminals, they are rewarded; for freemen: money; for slaves: liberty.
- This theory is great because the "slave" has nothing to steal. If they attempt to do something outrageous, they receive the death sentence, but they knew it was coming. Deal with the consequences foo'!
7. Judges are to be made sure that they may declare always in favor of the Prince, or whichever argument please the King. Those who oppose the local appraisal "A prince can never have too many treasures," will become an outcast within the society.
- This shows a corrupt court system, for there are no checks and balances. The King/Prince are believed to be above the law, which is outright wrong. (haha... right and wrong are next to each other)
After reacting to what I read, I realize how much my opinions are based upon the structures within the United States. Although it seems common sense too most, there are still different ways of achieving certain goals.
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4 comments:
I thought your interpretation of the circumstances surrounding the conversation were pretty hilarious. Your comment on the structures of the society governing the thought process behind law and order illustrate why the people Raphael was talking to were skeptical of his ideas.
I really enjoyed how your interpretations were easy to follow for anyone reading them. I too noticed myself looking at this through the eyes of someone living in United States. Your comment about slaves not being able to steal helped me to clarify what was being said about slaves being put to death.
Your opinions of More's beliefs were quite entertaining to read. When you said thieves should not be punished as severely as murderers and should be made to go out into the world and work, this makes sense to a point. As long as the work wasn't too cruel or unusual and they didn't become more like slaves, then this is fine. Your idea of how they could help the economy if they were still around (alive) and learned not to steal is good and you even take it to the extent of "Yay productive economy!" Haha. Good job.
I love the way in which you expressed your interpretation of Book I. Seeing Raphael as a traveling mutant ninja turtle really helped me to acquire an even deeper understanding of what I read. It was interesting to see that you thought thieves could bring about a benefit to the world, even after they had been punished for their crimes. I agree with what you had to say about the King/Prince being above the law, in which they should not be. I could not live in a society where voicing your own opinion was not allowed.
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