Analysis Of The Poem Allegory Of A Cave - 1312 Words

Critical Analysis: From Change to Enlightenment Imagine a person living his whole life in a cave, unable to move even his head. Imagine the man forced to stare at a cave wall dimly lit by a fire he cannot see. Imagine people, behind the man, creating shadows with three-dimensional objects. Then, imagine the man being set free to see what is behind him and walk outside the cave into the bright sun. Plato created the â€Å"Allegory of a Cave† with such a man, narrated as Socrates speaking to Glaucon. As an allegory, the story has a deeper meaning than a man going in and out of a cave. Although Plato’s â€Å"Allegory of a Cave† is a hypothetical scenario, Plato uses metaphors, contrast, pathos, and ethos to emphasize the importance of change in regards to enlightenment. Plato utilizes the metaphor of darkness as the lack of change and enlightenment. The prisoners are described as being in a cave from which the only light comes from a fire behind them (Plato 201). Nothing around the prisoners changes except the shadows, which are cast on the visible cave wall (Plato 201). In the allegory, Socrates tells Glaucon the prisoners â€Å". . . cannot move, and can only see before them, being prevented by the chains from turning round their heads† (Plato 201). Therefore, the prisoners are only able to see the shadows on the wall and some light from the fire but not the cause of the shadows nor light. Thus, the prisoners conclude the shadows are the only truth, as it is the only reality they have everShow MoreRelated Dantes Inferno Essay888 Words   |  4 Pages Dantes use of allegory in the Inferno greatly varies from Platos quot;Allegory of the Cavequot; in purpose, symbolism, characters and mentors, and in attitude toward the world. An analysis of each of these elements in both allegories will provide an interesting comparison. Dante uses allegory to relate the sinners punishment to his sin, while Plato uses allegory to discuss ignorance and knowledge. 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