We discussed the various symbols in “The Allegory of the Cave” by Plato. While the traditional allegories were explored, most prominently the search for enlightenment, students were also encouraged to identify modern-day fires and how they distort our realities and truths. Additionally, we listened to “Body Ritual Among the Nacirema” by Horace Miner. This allowed us to further explore Socrates’ ideas that language itself cannot fully communicate our thoughts and truths. Between logical fallacies, shadow truths, and fanciful manipulation, students are encouraged to think deeper about how they consume information and produce their own opinions as we begin our informative writing unit.

To engage with your student, you could ask them: 

• the six symbols in “The Allegory of the Cave”;
• what their group came up with as a modern-day fire example;
• the first part of “Body Ritual Among the Nacirema” they reacted to; and
• if they intend to enter any of their work from last semester – or different work – into LAD Fair.