Analysis Of William Morris’ Views And Beliefs

William Morris was a man of many things, such as designer, novelist, and socialist. Morris had critiqued the British society of the late 19th century. His first focus was being a novelist and poet, he later found an interest in designing. From designing, he believed there were theories and connections between that and art. Morris thought that the simplest designs could mean the grandest meanings, given the beauty of it all. When it came to designing back then to now, decoration and furniture were created to either be sold or used for one’s self. Morris theorized that there was a double enjoyment, where someone could enjoy creating such a beautiful piece to using and admiring it in general. As things were manufactured in factories, creating the same thing everyday through machinery could get boring, tiresome, and bland. That’s why Morris wanted us to see the beauty of craftsmanship by hand. It allowed people to create different designs no matter how small or large. It is definitely a versatile job nonetheless. 

William Morris believed that art and socialism cross paths at some point in time. Morris was following John Ruskin, which influenced him due to Ruskin’s theories of art and society. Morris was very smart, he listened and learned what others had to offer, and took that and formed his own ideas and beliefs through his own experiences. Those experiences were definitely plenty, since he was a man of numerous crafts. For a few years, Morris did not dive into politics until 1876, as he felt that he was compelled. This compulsion was derived through his feelings against Disraeli’s handling of the Eastern question. I’m assuming that in this case, that is where the critiquing starts growing as a means of something bigger. He wanted to advance the social policy of the liberal party. I don’t think William Morris ever gave up his interest in writing. But I believe he realized that there was a major effect of the book publishing industry due to industrialization. He created his own publishing company, Kelmscott Press, which was used to highlight or illuminate his fine writing and produce more books. William Morris created three fonts for his books, which are kind of beautiful. They were the golden type, troy type, and chaucer type. He must have not liked the regular font before, If he created not only one, but three fonts. These fonts have shaped modern typography. Morris knew the realities of human nature, and how robust it was. He was very stubborn and refused to implement any ideas rather than one that would create a beautiful and happy life for everyone. In a way, he showed a sense of utilitarianism, which is choosing the option that would create the greatest amount of happiness for the greater amount of people. 

William Morris had written an extremely popular novel, “News from Nowhere”, in which he demonstrates and explains his views and beliefs in a form of a story. Morris’ novel was based on a utopian society free of industries and machines, creating happier and better lives for everyone. The title “News from Nowhere” represents the news being his ideas and nowhere being utopia, as that is what it means. Morris wanted to write this book to express his anger over the world and the industrial society. This is a society that uses technology to produce quantitative products to support large areas. The industrial revolution took plenty of jobs by machines that could produce more than regular people can. His views clearly signaled that he wanted to end the use of factories. Morris enjoyed the work of simple labor, it was more creative and fun, it would not be boring or bland. 

On page 15, News from Nowhere, Morris states, “It has often been said, and no doubt truly, that one ages very quickly if one lives amongst unhappy people. ” This quote itself is very powerful, because as I see it, Morris is talking about society in general and the industrial society. When it comes to the industrial society, everyone goes to work, clock in, get underpaid, and barely get benefits. That was everyday life back then and even now. These factory workers have to go through it everyday to meet their quotas to whatever they have to produce. Once one person slows down, everyone else begins to follow. You start to feel drained and negative from working a job that isn’t your passion. Hence, Morris wanted people to enjoy their work with their artistic ideas, anything is beautiful when created and when used. In the perspective of society in general, that’s a valid message for people. Age is a symbol of life. As you age, you sometimes become dull or have a lack of energy. That’s why people say “Surround yourself with good and positive people”. When you believe and follow that path, you see growth, vitality, goals, and persistence. 

The proposals wished upon from William Morris were of self-interest and good intent. The pros are everyone to be treated equally, resulting to no discrimination of color or gender. Morris believed and wanted that everyone can work and live their life how they want. Women should not be just “children bearers” or “housewives”. There were a few cons to another part of his proposal which was discontinuing education. Obviously, I agree that everyone should be treated equally. I also agree with discontinuing education, even though education is such a social norm. I feel like what we learn throughout daily life is more valuable than what we would learn in school. Education nowadays will push lessons and subjects that are irrelevant. Morris’ ideas would not be relevant in today’s world, because we are so diverse that we either combine or reduce all of our ideas. This allows society to create new paths and help us progress as characters. “And if others can see it as I have seen it, then it may be called a vision rather than a dream”. A dream is one’s own personal goal or idea, but once people follow that, it becomes something bigger, a vision or reality. At the end of the day, he wants to create his own idea of utopia. Living a life of beauty, art, and happiness. 

10 Jun 2021
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