Allegory Of The Cave Rhetorical Analysis

“Allegory of the Cave” is a renowned philosophical piece that is highly regarded in World Literature. Teachers and mentors across the world use this piece in many fields of study due to its use of intricate language. The piece is comprised of themes that celebrated authors still offer publications and interpretations on, and it contains a great amount of diverse rhetorical strategies that enrich an individual’s reading experience. Plato wrote this classical piece in tribute to his widely-celebrated teacher, Socrates. The story comprises of a dialogue between Socrates and Plato’s older brother, Glaucon. To demonstrate that the general population loathe change and the truth in “Allegory of the Cave,” Plato used the example of the cave (with

In the beginning portion of “Allegory of the Cave,” Plato introduces the story of the prisoners in a cave to illustrate the foundation of why some do not like change. He begins by explaining there are three prisoners in a cave who are bound and can only see the shadows of objects projected by a fire behind them (Plato 201). The author begins with this portion of the example to set the context for the rest of the allegory. Plato then goes on to describe how one prisoner is released to the outside world to experience the

Symbolism is how an author is able to illustrate a certain concept by attaching meaning to an entity. In the case of “Allegory of the Cave”, Plato uses the shadows cast by the flames as a symbol and the light of the sun as another symbol (201). Plato presents the issue of whether or not the prisoners (if exposed to the actual objects that cast the shadow) believe that the shadows portray a greater sense of truth (202). Glaucon then makes the statement, “Far truer” (202). Glaucon’s reply to Plato’s question (Socrates in the context of the story) justifies that the shadows of darkness blind one from the greater truth. Since that is the case, it is proper for one to state that the shadows symbolize ignorance. Another question of equal importance is then asked (pertaining to the light). On page 202, the question asked states, “If he is compelled to look straight at the light, will he not have a pain in his eyes which will make him turn away to take refuge in the objects of vision which he can see?” (Plato). Predominantly, some humans desire the easier path or the easier means to accomplish or comprehend something. This quote exemplifies the fact that since the truth is difficult to see, then some humans will turn to darkness because it is easier to see. Therefore,