Thomas More (1478–1535) Study Guide

Thomas More: A Concise Biography

Early Life and Education: Thomas More was born on February 7, 1478, in London, England. He was the son of Sir John More, a successful lawyer and judge. More received an excellent education, first at St. Anthony's School in London and then at Oxford University, where he studied Latin, Greek, and classical literature. He later pursued legal studies at New Inn, one of the Inns of Chancery, before transferring to Lincoln's Inn to complete his law training.

Career and Public Life: More's career was marked by a rapid ascent in public service. He became a Member of Parliament in 1504 and soon after entered the service of King Henry VIII. He was appointed as a Privy Councillor in 1518 and later became Speaker of the House of Commons. In 1529, More succeeded Thomas Wolsey as Lord Chancellor of England, a position he held until 1532.

Literary Contributions: Thomas More is best known for his seminal work "Utopia," published in 1516. Written in Latin, "Utopia" describes an idealized fictional island society and critiques the social, political, and economic issues of More's own time. The book has had a lasting impact on political philosophy and literature, contributing to the genre of utopian and dystopian fiction.

Conflict and Martyrdom: More's steadfast Catholic faith brought him into conflict with Henry VIII over the King's separation from the Catholic Church and the establishment of the Church of England. More refused to endorse Henry's annulment from Catherine of Aragon and his subsequent marriage to Anne Boleyn. In 1534, More's refusal to take the Oath of Supremacy, which recognized Henry as the Supreme Head of the Church of England, led to his arrest for treason. He was imprisoned in the Tower of London and, after a trial, was executed by beheading on July 6, 1535.

Legacy: Thomas More was canonized as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church in 1935. He is remembered as a principled statesman, a martyr for his faith, and a profound thinker whose works continue to inspire and provoke thought in the realms of politics, religion, and humanism.

Historical and Literary Context: The period during which Thomas More lived was marked by significant religious, political, and intellectual upheaval. The Renaissance was in full swing, bringing a renewed interest in classical learning and humanism, of which More was a prominent advocate. This era also witnessed the beginning of the Protestant Reformation, which challenged the authority of the Roman Catholic Church and led to widespread religious conflict across Europe.

In England, the early 16th century was dominated by the rule of Henry VIII, whose desire for a male heir and subsequent marital issues led to the break with Rome and the establishment of the Church of England. This period of religious transformation profoundly affected More's life and career, ultimately leading to his martyrdom.

Literarily, More's "Utopia" fits within the humanist tradition, drawing on classical influences such as Plato's "Republic" while addressing contemporary social issues. It reflects the humanist emphasis on reason, education, and the potential for human improvement, and was part of a broader discourse on ideal societies that included works by other humanists like Erasmus.

In summary, Thomas More's life and work were deeply intertwined with the major intellectual and religious currents of the Renaissance and Reformation, making him a key figure in both historical and literary contexts.

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