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. 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 Edward Hicks (c. 1834) 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?

Formal Definition of Utopia The word “Utopia” was originally coined by Sir Thomas More, who wrote a book of this title in 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. The word “Utopia” was originally coined by Sir Thomas More, who wrote a book of this title in 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. 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. 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? 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 Golding went to Marlborough Grammar School, where his father Alec was science master Golding went to Brasenose College, Oxford, to read Natural Sciences He changed to English Literature Golding gained a second-class degree 1911 On 19 September William Gerald Golding was born in Cornwall Golding went to Marlborough Grammar School, where his father Alec was science master Golding went to Brasenose College, Oxford, to read Natural Sciences He changed to English Literature 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 In September, after changes to the text, it was published as Lord of the Flies 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 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.’ ” 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. 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) (Diction is strong and full of connotation) 2. Power of Imagery (Vivid verbs & sensory details) (Vivid verbs & sensory details) 3. Depth of Thought (Thinks about subject in new or interesting way) (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) (Photos demonstrate strong aesthetic appeal) 2. Technical Aspects (Seamless editing, transitions and music) (Seamless editing, transitions and music) 3. Depth of Thought (Thinks about subject in new or interesting way) (Thinks about subject in new or interesting way)

Sources: golding.co.uk/media/22919/p_biog.pdf golding.co.uk/media/22919/p_biog.pdf golding.co.uk/media/22919/p_biog.pdf golding.co.uk/media/22919/p_biog.pdf