My Utopian Project:
The Perfect World through My Eyes
An Introduction:
In the novel The Giver, written by Lois Lowry, Jonas, the protagonist, lives in a world
that on the surface is seemingly perfect. Everything and everyone are under control. In his
world, no one experiences pain, war, fear, etc. There are no choices. Every person is
assigned a role in what is identified as The Community.
When Jonas turns twelve, he is singled out to receive exclusive training from an elderly
man known as The Giver. The Giver alone holds the memories of true pain as well as the
pleasure of life. He is chosen to learn the truth, which once received there is no turning back.
What is a utopia?
The term utopia, in its most common and generally positive meaning, refers to an imaginary,
ideal civilization, which may range from a city to an entire world and may be regarded as
possible in the future, although not currently existent. What are the denotation and
connotations of this word? The term was coined by Sir Thomas More who wrote the novel
Utopia through the eyes of a man named Raphael.
General Directions: The Utopia Project should contain each of the following items
without exception. All items written in paragraph or essay form must be typed using
the Times New Roman font, double-spaced, and 12 pitch. Each page must include
visuals. No exceptions!
*You will be including visuals in your project. Be sure to cite each image using EasyBib.
Coversheet:
Your task is not an easy one. From what you know about utopian societies (Eden, Atlantis,
Elysium, etc.) you will create your own utopia. You have free reign over this project as long as
it is reasonable. Do not ask me to judge whether or not I think you are on the correct track at
every turn. You must evaluate your work of art to ensure that you have included all
specifications and that you express your idea(s) precisely. First, you must start with a cover
sheet. Design a cover sheet that is both visually pleasing and tells something about you. Use
symbols, colors, cutouts, etc. Include the Utopia’s name and motto/quote that represent the
overall theme of your utopia. Be sure to place your name in an inconspicuous place on the
coversheet.
Page One: Decorate the name of your utopia. Explain the meaning of the name and why you chose it
to represent your world. The name cannot be random but should hold significance. In other
words, simply adding “opia” to your own name is not acceptable. This should be written in
essay form. You may not simply use your name as the utopia’s name. The name must be
symbolic/metaphoric.
Page Two: Governance: Choose a leader who is real: alive or dead. Conduct research of this person.
Discuss why you chose this person as a leader over another. Describe this person's character
and personality traits. Why did you choose this person as your leader? Who makes the
decisions? What type of government would you create? (You are not allowed to choose
yourself.)
Page Three: What is your national anthem (include the lyrics and the writer)? The anthem can be any
song , even one you compose. Name your national tree, symbol, flower, bird, etc. What is the
typical type of music played? What is the national color? Create a flag.
Explain the colors and the symbols included within the flag. How does the flag represent the
world you have created? What is the national spoken language?
Page Four: What are the beliefs of your society? What are the laws? What are the
consequences for breaking the laws? What religion will be followed and why? You must
provide information about your religion or lack thereof (research). This should be
written in essay form.
Page Five: Where will your utopia be located? This location must be true to an authentic place,
meaning you can create it but it must be supported by research of a real location. Be sure to
include the real location your utopia is patterned after. What is the climate like? Why have
you chosen this location?
Page Six: Create a perfect world concrete poem, which means the shape must be symbolic or
metaphoric. You must have at least five stanzas. Each stanza must be at least a quatrain in
length (See me if you would like to vary the structure of the stanzas). It is your choice to on
what type of poem you seek to create. Be
sure that it follows a pattern. Use alliteration, rhythm, rhyme or free verse, personification,
and other elements of poetry. Examine concrete poetry closely.
Page Seven:
Describe your economy. Do you have a barter system, a capitalist system, command
economy, etc.? You must research each economic system and support your choice
against the others.
Page Eight:
From your perspective, why do you feel your world should be considered a utopia
against others? How do you combat the challenges to society/utopia?
Use the denotation of utopia and its connotation to support your view.
Page Nine:
You may add any other info pertaining to your utopia on this page. What would you
like to add that isn’t listed here?
Please do not cut this sheet.
Be sure to vary the manner in which you compose your project. You should not simply respond to the
questions. The above information should be used as a guide. Be creative.
***Present Your Utopia to the class.***
This project is due on or before March 27, 2015.
Student Signature
Date
Parent Signature
Date