Similarities Between Malcolm X And The Allegory Of The Cave

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Education, a life-altering event that involves the development of being more open- minded. When one’s horizons expand they begin to have a shift of perception. The process of becoming knowledgeable through education can differ from the individual or situation. It can also have one acquire gratitude for their change of insight. Two passages, “Learning to Read” by Malcom X and “The Allegory of the Cave” by Plato, each contain an individual who goes through the path of gaining wisdom. Although both excerpts contain similarities involving one’s experience resulting in the enlightenment of education, there are several differences in how the acknowledgement occurs and the type of predicament the individual is in. Both passages involve an individual feeling imprisoned and swamped by ignorance prior to the awakening. However, there is a distinction in the type of …show more content…

They are appreciative on their transformation and sympathize for the ones who are engulfed in the darkness. When the cave dweller recognizes his evolution, he notices his eyes once were drenched in illiteracy. (Plato 3). Malcom X as well conceded to his own experience. According to Malcom X, “the ability to read awoke inside me some long dormant craving to be mentally alive”. (3). Both individuals’ outlooks on life were altered due to their conversion. In the course of helping other individuals escape the darkness, one has a different approach towards it. For the cave dweller, it is a direct approach. If he could, he would attempt to set the other prison dwellers free and guide them into the light (Plato 3). However, Malcom X has a different strategy that involves studying anything that he feels may be able to benefit the black race (3). Both individuals’ perception of life developed after their conversion. Although they had different approaches to helping the ignorant, they still had a pure