Utopia Staged

I've been reading over a few of the posts, and generally I have to agree that, as written, Utopia could not be a successful, interesting play. There really isn't plot or characters, or even dialogue (at least in Book 2 where the main focus is). Essentially, the entire Book 2 would be setting the scene, rather than acting as one, if one were to look at it from a play perspective. However, to me, the main issue with More's Utopia is that there is no obvious conflict that would allow for a great story. There needs to be drama. Without it, an audience can't become connected and leave the theatre satisfied.

So, while Utopia as written would not be a great stage play, I think the concept presents a strong idea. I think what one would have to do to turn this into a play is add elements that would somehow develop characters and stir emotion and conflict. The Utopian society could exist as More wrote it, but something would have to cause change and difference for a successful play to work. No matter what, a stage play would have to be creative in adding elements of some sort. I took some time to brainstorm some ideas, so let me know your thoughts.

One idea would be to have Raphael as the protagonist. As it states in the book, Raphael journeyed to Utopia and stayed for 5 years. Obviously he is not a citizen of the island, so he is not accustom to their ways upon arrival. Essentially, the plot would be that Raphael begins to make connections to people in Utopia while living there, and begins to spark ideas of individuality and expression, and that there is value to ownership and a passion for career. He begins to cause conflict between citizens, who realize that there is more to life than the simplicity of Utopia. This is a more involved idea, which would require a lot of character development.

Also, I read Kristen's blog, which brings up Our Town by Thorton Wilder, one of my favorite plays, and I have to credit Kristen for inspiring this idea. A very simple 3-act play, there is nothing overly complex about it. It simply looks into the life of two American families, and the love that their children develop. However, to me, the most interesting aspect of Our Town is the third act, where we see the citizens as spirits, post life. This could be an interesting take on Utopia as well, where maybe in the first act, we witness the lives of citizens within the society, and then the second (or third) act is a look at them in the afterlife, as spirits, looking back on how they lived in Utopia. The moral of Our Town is to cherish life and value it to its fullest, and I feel a similar plot and moral could work with Utopia.

These are just two thoughts about transforming Utopia into a stage play. I'm no creative genius, so I would love to hear any thoughts/alterations/other ideas you might have.

Unique Utopia, and Ultimately Uniform

It’s always fascinating to read about Utopian societies. What’s interesting about More’s island in Utopia is the wide array of viewpoints that seem to be present in Raphael’s description. The introduction hints that More includes bits of satire within the book, so to who is this the perfect society? It’s interesting to see different aspects from different opinions coming together in the world he creates. Certain things really stuck out to me.

First of all, when Raphael was describing the government, I was immediately reminded of Athenian democracy and the similarities between the two systems. Ancient Athens was one of the founders of democracy, and having learned about how they created a whole new government structure, it was interesting to see the comparison between that and More’s Utopian government. In both, the land is divided into areas, which elect representatives to form a smaller council out of the larger population. Furthermore, in both societies, there was a presiding official elected within these smaller councils. Of course, More’s society presents some unique differences. For one, More’s government doesn’t speak of requirements or “eligibilities” for being elected to a position. Whereas ancient Athens democracy (and in fact, many government systems in the world) have requirements. For example, age limits, or what constitutes as citizenship. The only qualification, from what I can tell, is that it appears only men are able to be syphogrants/phylarchs. This was also the case in Athens.

Another interesting thing about Utopias government is the lack of a detailed court system, and the simplicity of punishment. In fact, it seems as though much is left out in this area, and generally the society is strict in enforcing punishment for wrongdoings. There is no jail, at least not that I could make out, which is such a unique item within itself, and the fact that a crime results in slavery seems so obscure. The reliance on the hierarchy within each household to chastise members for “less grave” crimes shows how honest the society is.

Another aspect of the Utopian society worth taking a look at is religion. For the time period (and the author) it is odd at how accepting More makes the society of various religions. Especially in 16th Century England, where tolerance was nowhere near where it is today. I suppose that the foundation of religion is key to their society, which is why the only group they seem against are atheists. If someone believes this life is all there is, living in a world where you have no choices and little freedom to pursue passions would be rough.

This whole idea, again, fascinates me, and makes me think if a world like this Utopia is something that should be strived for. My ultimate answer would be no. We have come so far as a world, and as a country. The thing lacking from Utopia, which I find so crucial to life, is individuality. The things that make life so great are excluded from the Utopian description, such as music, expression, art, etc. While the systems and the ideas may seem wonderful, the actual life may not be.

Letter to Friend at Delaware

Below is my letter. I apologize that it is backwards, but the only means I had of taking a picture and getting it to my computer was by using Photobooth. So I typed out the entire letter underneath.




Dear Carrie,
How are you? Hope things are going well at Delaware. It is sad to be missing out on my last semester on campus.However, NYC is great and I'm happy with my decision to intern here. I think career wise it was a smart move. Speaking of careers, have you found anything? It probably wont' be too difficult to find something in nursing. Me, on the otherhand... I haven't really found anything yet. And frankly,don't know where to begin!
In all honesty, I have contemplated moving to LA. It's where the industry is, and I think I would really love it there. But is it a good idea? Here, on the east coast, is where my family is, and where my friends are. I know no one in LA, or even California for that matter! I'm worried it would be too large of a risk, and I wouldn't live up to my expectations. It's kind of been my plan (and dream), but I just find myself torn.
I guess overall, I'm a bit nervous/anxious about the whole idea of moving on into the "Real World". It's almost like we've been living in this bubble, with little worries and lots of fun. And now it has to pop and expose us. We won't have the comfort of friends next door, or advisors to calm our nerves. Is this just me? Don't get me wrong, I want to start a career, a life. It's just getting started...
Well, I miss you, and hopefully I'll be able to visit soon and we can hit up Main St ( I hear there is a Chipotle now?!). If not, I'll see you in Lancaster over the summer for Mollie's wedding. Keep in touch.
Best,
Matt