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Source Book Study Questions

Erasmus' Letter on More (SB, pp. 3-13)

1. The opening paragraph focuses upon passion, desire, and affection. How does More stir these in his friends?

2. Erasmus warns us on lines 24-25 that drawing a portrait of More is just as difficult as drawing a portrait of the great warriors, Alexander the Great and Achilles. Erasmus also makes the striking claim that More deserves immortal fame as much as these two greatest conquerors of all time. According to this letter, what are the accomplishments of More that make him so deserving?

3. Erasmus claims that More is "a perfect example of true friendship" (line 113), and throughout the letter he emphasizes More's capacity for friendship. (See, for example, lines 23, 47, 98-126, 202-15, 252-69, 318-21.) What seems to be the source(s) of this capacity in More, according to Erasmus' description? Why does Erasmus see More as the "perfect example"?

4. In lines 89-90, Erasmus says that More had a special hatred of absolute rule and a corresponding love for equality. Which of his poems in section 4 confirm or contradict this observation? Does Utopia confirm or contradict this observation?

5. Erasmus often remarks on More's verbal virtues. How does More's ability to use speech well contribute to his effectiveness? In what areas of human life does More's gift with language help him and others most?

6. What light does this short biography shed upon Utopia?