Similarities Between The Allegory Of The Cave And The Truman Show

Ruby Hreedmy

Mr. Allain

ENG4UO-P

March 6, 2023

Comparing “Allegory of the Cave” and The Truman Show

The concepts of reality, perception, quest for self-knowledge and enlightenment have been central themes in philosophy, literature, and art throughout history. Human beings have a natural inclination to understand the world around them, to seek truth about themselves and their existence. However, they remain prisoners to the reality they perceive; a false reality which is orchestrated by one's beliefs and biases, based on one's surroundings and experiences. This creates a distorted and incomplete picture of the world. “Allegory of the Cave” by the illustrious philosopher Plato and Peter Weir’s renowned film, The Truman Show are two

This can be distinguished in three examples from “The Allegory of The Cave” and The Truman Show. The first demonstration is when one of the prisoners, previously chained like all the other prisoners, is freed and ascending the cave toward the light at the entrance. “But suppose that once more someone takes him and drags him up the steep and rugged ascent from the cave and forces him out into the full light of the Sun.” (Plato, 2) The jailbird primarily begins by being afraid and suffering from the light of the Sun. Plato asserts this in the following quotation, “Wouldn’t he suffer greatly and be furious at being dragged upward? As he approaches the light his eyes would be dazzled and he won't be able to see any of the world we ourselves call reality.” (Plato, 2) and “Last of all he will be able to look at the Sun and contemplate its nature- not as it appears reflected in the water but as it is in itself and its own domain... He will understand that it is in a way the cause of everything that he and his fellow prisoners used to see.” (Plato, 2) This quote directly supports the idea that enlightenment and self-knowledge is achieved through overcoming limitations and pain. The prisoner was suffering from the light of the sun. The truth of that world. He is struggling

In “Allegory of The Cave,” one instance is when the released prisoner begins to prefer his situation more than the other prisoners still chained in the cave. Plato writes, “Wouldn’t he rather endure anything than go back to thinking and living like they did” (Plato, 1) Here Plato clarifies how the liberated prisoner is accepting his new reality and favors it much more than the false reality he occupied. The prisoner’s sense of freedom not only allows him to recognize his past and present circumstances better but also the reality of each situation and how they were altered. It provides him with answers and a greater understanding of himself and his world. Similarly, having no sense of freedom or having your desire for freedom and curiosity shut down can also impact your perception of the world and self-knowledge. In Weir’s film, Truman aches to reunite with Lauren Garland, his past lover and he longs to travel and explore the world. However, Marlon quickly shuts him down and discourages him from venturing out in an attempt to keep Truman from finding out the truth within the simulated dome. “Oh, you’re too late. There’s really nothing left to explore.” (Weir, 30:52) This causes a change in Truman’s interest and his longing for that sense of freedom, to the