What techniques are used by Thomas More to communicate his ideas in the book Utopia?
Two levels of framework narrative. First level: Juxtaposition between Utopia and England. They are parallels of each other, all of More’s distinctly satirical and hyperbolic Utopian customs directly criticize European society. Second level: More’s use of Raphael Hythloday and Morus. These two figures are representations of More’s own self and his conflicting ideas. The fictitious nature of the Utopia allows More to explore controversial and critical ideas without fear of prosecution. Another technique is embedded stories. They blur the boundaries of reality and fiction. He adds real events to his fictional world to make Utopia seem more real. The effect is reinforced because he mixes fictional events and cultures–besides the Utopian ones–, with real world references, making even More’s most outlandish ideas seem plausible. Also, the words all mean backwards things. There is a river in Utopia that’s name means no water when translated. Utopia’s capitol city, when translated, means dul
