The New Utopia by Jerome K. Jerome Reviews, Discussion …

The reference for this short story came across when I was reading about Zamaytin's novel "We" on Wikipedia. According to it, this short story seems to be the inspiration for "We". So I searched for it and found it online.

In this story, the narrator dreams of the world of twenty ninth century after meeting a few socialist friends who have been in favor of equality in the society. What he dreams of is a kind of society where all the differences have been abolished and all people are equal. There i

In this story, the narrator dreams of the world of twenty ninth century after meeting a few socialist friends who have been in favor of equality in the society. What he dreams of is a kind of society where all the differences have been abolished and all people are equal. There is no difference between men and women, all of them wear same uniform and have same length of black hair. The system of marriage has been abolished and they live as one large family where they are provided for everything by the State. There is no form of entertainment and no stores for shopping. Even the people are "washed up" twice a day by the State only. The whole process of bearing of children takes place under medical supervision and after their birth, the children are kept in special nurseries till the age of fourteen.

This story was first published in 1891 way before "We", "Brave New World" or "1984" and it's glimpses can be found in these latter works too though the story is written in a much lighter manner.

Some quotes:

I looked at the faces of the men and women that were passing. There was a patient, almost pathetic, expression upon them all. I wondered where I had seen that look before; it seemed familiar to me. All at once I remembered. It was just the quiet, troubled, wondering expression that I had always noticed upon the faces of the horses and oxen that we used to breed and keep in the world.

And after he woke up from the dream:

Through the open window I hear the rush and roar of old lifes battle. Men are fighting, striving, carving out each man his own life with the sword of strength and will. Men are laughing, grieving, loving, doing wrong deeds, doing great deeds, falling, struggling, helping one another living!

From the quotes it is clear that Jerome was wary of the whole idea of Utopia and imagined such a society to be devoid of life itself. Interestingly, H.G.Wells is considered to be the inspiration for this story by Jerome.

It is a very short and very good read.

Originally posted here:

The New Utopia by Jerome K. Jerome Reviews, Discussion ...