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Source Book Study Questions

Letter to Oxford (SB p. 204-11)

1. The first three paragraphs form the introduction or "exordium."  Why does More start in this unusual way? What effect or tone is More trying to create?

2. The next four paragraphs are the "narratio," or statement of facts. For a supposed statement of facts, More uses many emotionally-charged words such as "despised," "perverse," "insanity," "deranged," "stupid," "frivolous," "degradation," "outrageous," "Bacchanalian ravings," and "defamation." Is this a   continuation of the tone of the introduction or a contrast to it? Why would he use such words with this straight-laced, academic audience?

3. The next section is called the "argument" of the letter and goes all the way to, but excludes, the last paragraph.  What is the tone of this section? 

4. According to More, why should one study the liberal arts and especially what the Greeks wrote?

5. What is More trying to get the leaders of Oxford to do by the end of this argument section?  What does he appeal to in his efforts to get them to do it?

6. The last paragraph is the conclusion.  What is the main point he wants to emphasis before he signs off?

7. What is the tone of this ending?  Why would he want to end with this tone?

8. Compare and contrast More's understanding of education and the liberal arts (208) with some contemporary approaches to education.

9. Compare and contrast More's understanding of the nature and benefits of education with Raphael Hythloday's account of education in Utopia in book two.