Utopia
The Illusion of Paradise
What Is Utopia?
• What words or ideas come to mind when you
see or hear the word Utopia? (Make a list)
• What is your personal definition of utopia?
• Now look it up on your phone- is the
definition what you expected? Why or why
not?
• Please respond in writing in 5-7 sentences.
The Peaceable Kingdom
What are your general observations
regarding this famous panting by
Edward Hicks? What ideas and
impressions can you make?
Many people argue that man is
closest to paradise when he is
closest to nature. Does this match
your vision of paradise?
Edward Hicks (c. 1834)
Formal Definition of Utopia
• The word “Utopia” was
originally coined by Sir
Thomas More, who wrote a
book of this title in 1516.
• In this novel, the central
character discovers an
island that constitutes a
perfect world; it is literally
paradise. A utopia is
essentially a perfect
environment.
Definition of Utopia
The word Utopia is itself a pun
on two Greek root words:
1. “Ou topia” = no place
2. “Eu topia” = good place
The implication is that such a
world cannot exist on Earth,
despite the best of intentions by
human beings. In reality, utopia
is a myth.
A Literary Genre
• For centuries, authors
have played with the
idea of utopia, creating
a sub-genre of fiction
called “Utopian” or
“Dystopian” literature.
• Examples include
Plato’s Republic,
Samuel Butler’s
Erewhon, and Jonathan
Swift’s Gulliver’s
Travels.
Changes in Perception
• For many years writers
considered ‘the western
frontier’ as the idyllic location
for a utopian society--a place
free from the evils of
established communities.
• The events of the 20th century
undermined this idea,
especially the actions of Hitler
and Stalin. Man demonstrated
a penchant for acts of great
evil.
Dystopian Literature
• Anti-utopian literature (dystopia) presents a
hideous world, where man loses his
individuality and humanity to forces beyond
his control. William Golding’s Lord of the
Flies is an example of such literature
• Can you think of any other literary works or
movies that might be dystopian?
The Lord of the Flies
by William Golding
• Given the chance to return to the “natural”
state, what does man become? The novel
explores this question with children in the
title roles.
William Golding: Life and
Work
• 1911 On 19 September William Gerald Golding was
born in Cornwall.
• 1921-30 Golding went to Marlborough Grammar
School, where his father Alec was science master.
• 1930 Golding went to Brasenose College, Oxford, to
read Natural Sciences.
• 1932 He changed to English Literature.
• 1934 Golding gained a second-class degree
William Golding: Life and
Work
• 1952 He began work on a novel he called “Strangers
from Within.”
• 1953 In January he started sending the novel to
publishers. Many rejected it, until in September
Golding sent it to Faber and Faber, where it was
eventually accepted.
• 1954 In September, after changes to the text, it was
published as Lord of the Flies.
William Golding: Life and
Work
• For a time he replied to postal
correspondence with printed cards reading:
“ ‘William Golding regrets that he cannot
answer questions about his books. If he did
so he would have no time for anything else.’ ”
Purpose: Writing Lord of
the Flies
• William Golding originally intended for his
novel, Lord of the Flies, to be a novel about
a group of boys shipwrecked on an island,
behaving realistically without supervision.
• No girls allowed: Golding stated that, had the
children been boys and girls, the “question of
sex” would have arisen. He didn’t want to
write a book about sex.
Conch
(Pay attention to symbols and allegory.)
Utopia Project
Due Monday, 10/23-24/13- Quiz
Grade
Project #1: Utopia Poem
Write a poem of at least 12 lines that suggests the
physical qualities of your utopia--be it real or
imaginary.
The poem may be written in structured rhyme or in
free verse. An original illustration must accompany
your verse.
The project will be evaluated as follows: (33 points
each)
1. Word Choice
(Diction is strong and full of connotation)
2. Power of Imagery
(Vivid verbs & sensory details)
3. Depth of Thought
(Thinks about subject in new or interesting way)
Project #2:
Create a one minute multi-media slideshow that
incorporates 15 pictures that demonstrates your
vision of utopia or dystopia. Simple transitions and
purposeful ambient music should accompany your
images.
The project will be evaluated as follows: (33 points
each)
1. Quality of Photographs
(Photos demonstrate strong aesthetic appeal)
2. Technical Aspects
(Seamless editing, transitions and music)
3. Depth of Thought
(Thinks about subject in new or interesting way)
Sources:
• http://www.williamgolding.co.uk/media/22919/p_biog.pdf