Analysis Of Plato's The Allegory Of The Cave

As argued in Plato’s “The Allegory of the Cave,” there are many chains that limit the thoughts and opportunities of people. The symbolism of physical chains to figurative chains in Plato’s story is very significant, as it is applicable throughout all time. Currently, there are many “chains” within society that restrict individuals, including race, class, gender, religion, media, and the government. All of these are very challenging to change and have a profound effect on the ability of individuals to think and act. For instance, the government has a wide control over all aspects of society, as it mandates what cannot be done through the enactment and enforcement of laws. Likewise, gender has a vast influence on society. Gender is generally …show more content…
The majority of women had very few options. Women could not go to universities – their only ability to get an education was from private tutors, like how Abelard taught Heloise (p.8). Even if a woman became educated, there was little that they could do, however, as they were not allowed to join guilds and could not easily own their own property or find jobs. Most women were limited to marrying a man – and living with them until they die (as divorce was very difficult and commonly illegal) or to seclude themselves in a nunnery. The seclusion and oppression of women in medieval society is very clear. Heloise serves as a great example of resistance to the chain of gender in medieval society, but the challenges she and other women brought did not change patriarchy much. While women had some say in their own lives, their options were restricted by the system of patriarchy, and they were generally considered subservient, weak, and even malicious. Many things have changed since ancient and medieval times, but patriarchy remains a prominent element in Western Civilization. Despite the fact that women have many rights now, the chain of gender which has existed for thousands of years, remains a powerful force in