An allegory can use a situation or event in order to reveal a deeper meaning or lesson. Allegories can act as analogies that point out logical inconsistencies and cause one to reflect and even question their own way of life. In Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave,” Plato intends to point out the prison-like obedience that humans who are “in the cave” have to their lifestyle, and the difficult choice of giving up this lifestyle in search of something more. This allegory displays the confining nature of life without wonder, or philosophy, and the steps – which can be mentally demanding – to take toward enlightenment.
Plato writes this allegory during the Classical Age in Greek history. Located near Athens, one of the most educated and progressive major cities during this time, Plato’s allegory is a part of his book, The Republic, that examines human behavior, freedom, justice, and philosophy. Plato explains this allegory through a dialogue between two men: …show more content…
The allegory points to the value of education and how it transcends our existence by bringing us closer to reality. Education is what drags us out of the cave and should be pursued. This pursuit begins when we remove the chains and wish to know more about what we do not know. Plato’s allegory should be read widely because everyone should pursue life outside of the cave. The intended audience is not limited to any group of people because the allegory speaks to humanity as a whole. Plato suggests that one’s senses are limited and imperfect; what one senses and what actually exists do not always coincide. While the life the prisoners experienced was real, it was not an accurate representation of reality or the world outside of the cave. The purpose of this allegory is to provoke a pursuit of an accurate representation of
Plato writes this allegory during the Classical Age in Greek history. Located near Athens, one of the most educated and progressive major cities during this time, Plato’s allegory is a part of his book, The Republic, that examines human behavior, freedom, justice, and philosophy. Plato explains this allegory through a dialogue between two men: …show more content…
The allegory points to the value of education and how it transcends our existence by bringing us closer to reality. Education is what drags us out of the cave and should be pursued. This pursuit begins when we remove the chains and wish to know more about what we do not know. Plato’s allegory should be read widely because everyone should pursue life outside of the cave. The intended audience is not limited to any group of people because the allegory speaks to humanity as a whole. Plato suggests that one’s senses are limited and imperfect; what one senses and what actually exists do not always coincide. While the life the prisoners experienced was real, it was not an accurate representation of reality or the world outside of the cave. The purpose of this allegory is to provoke a pursuit of an accurate representation of