Learn It

When reading literary nonfiction, you must keep in mind that the writer is not just telling you a story; the writer has a message for you. Following the process below will help you to determine the writer’s message.

First read a short excerpt from Plato’s "The Allegory of the Cave.” As you read, look for the following:

  • Possible symbols
  • The message of the excerpt

After you read, watch a video to learn about figurative language that Plato uses to convey meaning.


Let me show in a parable to what extent our nature is enlightened or unenlightened. Envision human figures living in an underground cave, with a long entrance across the whole width of the cave. Here they've been from their childhood and have their legs and necks chained so that they cannot move and can only see before them, being prevented by the chains from turning their heads around. Above and behind them a fire is blazing in the distance. They see only their own shadows which the fire throws on the opposite wall of the cave. For how could they see anything but the shadows if they were never allowed to move their heads?

– Plato’s Republic, “The Allegory of the Cave” Book VII, 514a-521b


Tip Box

When reading for figurative language, ask yourself, “Would this make sense if I took it literally?” If the answer is “no,” then you are likely dealing with figurative language.

Refer to the Glossary page for unfamiliar words used in the video.

This video player plays the Extracting and Employing Evidence video.

> Text version of video


To review, let’s look at the parts of the text that we marked as key details.

Key Details

  • Human figures live in a cave
  • Chained in place their whole lives
  • Can only see the shadows in front of them

Taken together, these details focus the reader on the idea of limited experience or limited perception.