Connecting different works to Plato’s Allegory of the Cave

Instructions

Four (4) fully developed BODY paragraphs (at least 6-10 sentences per paragraph)

1. Do not waste an entire paragraph setting up an introduction…jump right in.

1 sentence introduction is fine!

2. Do not define Plato’s concept – we know the definition so don’t waste the space

3. You may discuss as many works as you wish

4. You may connect yourself to any works you wish

5. You may discuss the lessons learned via the stories and clips

6. Do not waste an entire paragraph on a conclusion – keep going until you have made your point! 1 sentence conclusion is fine!

7. Direct quotes will NOT be expected in the paper.

8. Title your paper!

9.  Do NOT double space!

10. And be sure to connect the following:

Connect the characters, messages, themes to the concept of:

a) one who becomes a prisoner of what others dictate,

b) one who climbs out of the “cave” and removes “the chains” other people’s actions or thoughts confine one to,

c) and the ascent into the light of one’s own journey.

Some stories that can be used in the essay:

“Sonny’s Blues” by James Baldwin- Sonny’s rejection by his brother (the narrator) regarding his musical journey plummets his cave into addiction; however, when he brings his brother to witness the power of his music, his ascent into the light of music releases them both from that cave. “Sonny played…I seemed to hear with what burning he had made it his, with what burning we had yet to make it ours, how we could cease lamenting. Freedom lurked around us and I understood at last, that he could help us to be free if we would listen, that he would never be free until we did” (Baldwin 248-249). Note: both characters are freed through music.

“Cathedral” by Raymond Carver – The narrator is trapped in his cave of ignorance, unhealthy habits of drinking and smoking, coupled with a marriage remiss of communication and connection. His ascent into the light occurs when he stops using his eyes (when he is drawing and through the guidance of Robert) and looks within for the answers and finds a new way of witnessing the world. “It was nothing else in my life up to now…But I had my eyes closed. I thought I’d keep them that way for a little longer. I thought it was something I ought to do…My eyes were still closed. I was in my house. I knew that. But I didn’t feel like I was inside anything. ‘It’s really something,’ I said” (Carver 286). Note: his going within helped him finally “see.”

“Hills Like White Elephants” by Ernest Hemingway – Jig is trapped in the cave by the “American Man” who tells her what to do about her baby, that the procedure to abort is an awfully simple task, and that it is the baby that makes them unhappy. When Jig looks to the “landscape” around her, the fertile land and flowing river, that reflects her climb toward her own fate. In the end, the reader has hope that Jig escapes when she says, “Would you please please please please please please please stop talking?… There’s nothing wrong with me. I feel fine” (Hemingway 179). Note: throughout the story the number 2 appeared because that was all the narrator wanted (the 2 of them) but note when she tells him 7 times to please shut up, that parallels the 7 days of creation (perhaps, the baby).