Pictorial slides to accompany discussion of utopian myths and utopian literature. Questions to consider in discussion: What is a utopia? Why do different people and cultures have varying perceptions of what constitutes "utopia?" What is it in human beings that causes us to long for or try to create a utopia? What do you think utopia means in our 21st century culture?

1. UTOPIA IN MYTHUTOPIA IN MYTH
and Cultureand Culture

2. Garden of EdenGarden of Eden
Thomas Cole, Garden of Eden, 1828

3. ArcadiaArcadia
Thomas Cole The Arcadian or Pastoral State 1836Thomas Cole The Arcadian or Pastoral State 1836

4. 380 BC380 BC 410 AD410 AD 15161516

5. AtlantisAtlantis
By 1562 AtlantisBy 1562 Atlantis
became perceived asbecame perceived as
an ancient Utopiaan ancient Utopia
although Platoalthough Plato
decribes itsdecribes its
destruction due todestruction due to
greed.greed.

6. AvalonAvalon
Geoffrey of Monmouth 1136Geoffrey of Monmouth 1136

7. ShambhalaShambhala
MahabharataMahabharata 540-300 BC540-300 BC
Shangri-la 1933Shangri-la 1933

8. Peach Blossom SpringPeach Blossom Spring
From painting on Long Corridor, Summer Palace, BejingFrom painting on Long Corridor, Summer Palace, Bejing

9. El DoradoEl Dorado

10. Utopias in Modern LiteratureUtopias in Modern Literature
Written in 1888 Bellamy’s vision ofWritten in 1888 Bellamy’s vision of
Boston in the year 2000Boston in the year 2000
depicts a socialist utopiadepicts a socialist utopia
1962

11. Utopias in Modern LiteratureUtopias in Modern Literature