The prison analogy in Thomas More's A Dialogue of Comfort against Tribulation

Abstract

This essay argues for a particular purpose in the section of the Dialogue during which Anthony argues to Vincent that the world is, properly understood, a prison. Anthony, in the vein of Socrates, challenges Vincent by presenting questions and arguments—sometimes even deliberately simplified arguments—that force Vincent into a deeper engagement with the relevant issues, and hence to an improved clarity. Specifically, Anthony Socratically pushes Vincent better to appreciate the enormous gulfs between human and divine perspectives on the relevant issues. By realizing the limits of his own human-centered assumptions, Vincent is able to deepen and elevate his understanding of the points at hand. It is by means of this new orientation that Vincent is able to find peace, a victory over his passions, as is implied by the Latin word for “conquer” embedded in his name.