Evelyn Martinez
English 102
Post #3
Journal: Allegory of the Cave
“In Allegory of the Cave,” Plato writes, “Men would say of him that up he went and down he came without his eyes…” (34).
It could be a bit difficult to understand this allegory, but I found it pleasant to read, since I was able to make many personal connections to the context. I can relate with the person that was let out of the cave and into the “real” world. Since I was born I was raised to believe certain laws of the church. I was shown a world where I had to be submissive and obedient. Do not get me wrong. I believe submissiveness and obedience could be good depending on the circumstances and to what extent it is being used.
As I grew older, I became curious, but unlike the person in the cave, I was aware that there was more to the world than what I was being taught. I wanted to see and learn what it was, and I let myself out of my darkness.
I came out thinking that the world was evil and so were the people in it, at least the ones that did not come from my environment. It took years before I was able to speak to people that were different from me and consider them good people. It was strange for me to see the glee in two people dancing. I was told dancing was a sin. I was bewildered by the idea of wearing pants to go hiking. These few things I speak of might seem so insignificant and simple, but coming from the darkness where I was only aloud to see and hear certain things, made my experience difficult and confusing in a new environment.
I knew that if I went back and spoke of my discoveries, people would say I was crazy and that I had lost sight of what was true. You might ask, how would you know if you never tried? I can say I know, since I was a part of them once upon a time.
I felt pity for those inside, because I felt that they were missing out, but they would not understand since they were never let out. All they see is the shadows on the wall and that is all they ever want to see.
I thank God that he opened my eyes to all the wonderful things that he created and that I was once missing. He is now more truth to me, since I have learned to abide to his rules and not those of man.
