Similarities Between 1984 And The Allegory Of The Cave

843 Words4 Pages

In “1984” and “Allegory of the Cave”, there are several connections to be drawn, Winston Smith, the protagonist is very similar to the philosopher from the cave because he’s like a freed prisoner that is not aware of the things he sees every day. The people of Oceania are willing to abide by the laws of their government because they know that they are under the watchful eye of Big Brother; Winston doesn’t understand why he’s uncomfortable with his daily life until he slowly begins to question the world around him and becomes aware of the blatant and control of his society. In both, “1984” and “Allegory of the Cave”, Winston's story is a person who attempts to leave the cave, sharing certain Inner Party lies and begins to question and seek …show more content…

He’s aware that something needs to be done and that he can work towards the greater good, despite to obvious danger to his own life. In Socrates' work, the philosopher, after his slow journey to the upper world begins to discover the beauty of the world around him after the painful shock of the …show more content…

The Telescreen are similar to the shadows because people are being watched and telescreens are being put in places where no one can see it, despite the shadows on the wall are cast by the unseen controllers/puppets. As these images are being controlled by the Inner Party, most people in 1984 are Proles, which are equivalent to the people chained in the cave. However, “here they have been from their childhood, and have their legs and neck chained from turning their heads.” they’ve been prisoners their whole lives and basically don’t notice they’re chained. The unchained and the party line through the Telescreen is the Outer party but since they’re so loyal to the imagery they will believe in what they are shown and not what they observe. They will also begin to believe two plus two is five, as the saying