Platos Allegory of the Cave Allegory n a

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Plato’s Allegory of the Cave

Plato’s Allegory of the Cave

Allegory (n. ) a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal

Allegory (n. ) a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one.

Allegory differs from analogy, which is a comparison between two things, typically for the

Allegory differs from analogy, which is a comparison between two things, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification.

In that sense, an allegory has a comparison at its heart, but an allegory

In that sense, an allegory has a comparison at its heart, but an allegory often makes a moral or political point, so its rhetorical purpose may go well beyond mere clarification.

As a literary device, an allegory is a metaphor whose vehicle may be a

As a literary device, an allegory is a metaphor whose vehicle may be a character, place or event, representing real-world issues and occurrences.

As a rhetorical device, allegory can be used to convey (semi-)hidden meanings through symbolic

As a rhetorical device, allegory can be used to convey (semi-)hidden meanings through symbolic figures, actions, imagery, or events, which together create the moral, spiritual, or political meaning the author wishes to convey.

In other words, allegory can become a rhetorical strategy, a means by which an

In other words, allegory can become a rhetorical strategy, a means by which an author can create a rhetorical effect in the hearts and minds of a particular audience.

Allegory has occurred widely throughout history in all forms of art, largely because it

Allegory has occurred widely throughout history in all forms of art, largely because it can readily illustrate or convey complex ideas and concepts in ways that are comprehensible or striking to its viewers, readers, or listeners.

Writers or speakers typically use allegories as literary devices or as rhetorical devices that

Writers or speakers typically use allegories as literary devices or as rhetorical devices that convey (semi-)hidden meanings through symbolic figures, actions, imagery, or events, which together create the moral, spiritual, or political meaning the author wishes to convey.

First attested in English in 1382, the word allegorycomes from Latin allegoria, the latinisation

First attested in English in 1382, the word allegorycomes from Latin allegoria, the latinisation of the Greek ἀλληγορία (allegoría), "veiled language, figurative, "[3] which in turn comes from both ἄλλος (allos), "another, different"[4] and ἀγορεύω (agoreuo),

In classical literature one of the best -known allegories is The Cave in Plato's

In classical literature one of the best -known allegories is The Cave in Plato's Republic (Book VII).

This allegory is, on a basic level, about a philosopher who upon finding greater

This allegory is, on a basic level, about a philosopher who upon finding greater knowledge outside the “cave” of human understanding, seeks to share it as is his duty, and the foolishness of those who would ignore him because they think themselves educated enough. [