Allegory of the Cave by Plato - Essay Example

The film places the protagonist, Neo, in a future world where reality is also hidden from direct access. Through an examination of these texts, this essay contends that in many regards the ‘Matrix’ can be considered a modern-day version of Plato’s ‘Allegory of the Cave’.

When examining Plato’s dialogue and the film the ‘Matrix’ they are ostensibly diametrically opposed. One is an ancient Greek dialogue and the other is a 20th-century science-fiction action film with Keanu Reeves. Still, it’s clear that if one examines the deeper metaphorical and philosophical significance of these texts, they share the same underlining concerns. For instance, in Plato’s ‘Allegory of the Cave’ he writes, “the truth would be literally nothing but the shadows of the images” (Plato). One considers a parallel account in the Matrix, as humanity has been placed in a matrix by intelligent machines that have assumed control of the world. In both texts, then, humanity is only able to grasp reality through a sort of imperfect prism. Similarly, in both texts the prisoners, and Neo, experience a period of awakening as they break free of their bondage and are exposed to the world around them.

In addition to the elements described above, there are a number of structural elements that are similar between the two texts. The Matrix presents a dystopian world wherein it is supposed to be much better to assume the virtual reality than grasp the deeper reality.

In these regards, both texts present a world where the true nature of reality is a slightly negative thing to grasp. Another similar structural, or ‘plot’, element between the two works is the understanding that the individuals in both situations are prisoners. While reality the simulated reality is presented as slightly blissful, it’s ultimately understood that this existence is a limited and prison-like state. For Plato, this takes on more direct philosophical implications, whereas the Matrix crouches these philosophical undertones within its action narrative and science fiction genre.

In conclusion, this essay has examined the Matrix as a contemporary incarnation of Plato’s ‘Allegory of the Cave’. Within this context of understanding, it’s demonstrated that both texts share the same underlining philosophical and plot elements. In both instances, society is imprisoned within a simulated reality and the true essence of existence is only graspable through breaking the bonds of illusion. Read More