Conquer It

Now that you have learned to read literary nonfiction closely by looking for writers’ techniques and intended meaning, you will read the second half of Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave” and answer a set of additional questions about the passage. This excerpt features the conclusion to Plato’s allegory, meaning that it will deliver the idea or concept that he wanted readers to grasp. As you read, look for clues about what message he meant to convey. These clues will most likely take the form of figurative language, as that is the dominant literacy device used in allegory.

Remember to read carefully, annotating for literary devices and taking notes about the meaning of the text in the margins. When you have finished reading, answer the multiple choice questions in the quiz below. These are text-based questions, so you will find the answers in the text and in your annotations.

Download the Allegory of the Cave Conquer It Excerpt and Worksheet, which includes the second half of Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave.”