1. “And now allow me to draw a comparison in order to understand the effect of learning
(or the lack thereof) upon our nature.” This is the opening line of the dialogue where
Socrates begins to describe the scene to Glaukon. The image of this scene is important
to have because it gives a base to connect and add ideas to.
2. “Now, tell me if you suppose it’s possible that these captives ever saw anything of
themselves or one another, other than the shadows flitting across the cavern wall before
them?” After describing the scene, Socrates raises a question. This is the first additional
idea to Socrates’ overall lesson. With the scene in mind, Glaukon can process the
question and use it to understand the story on a deeper level. Socrates proceeds to ask
more questions that have the same effect.
3. “Look again, and think about what would happen if they were released from these
chains and these misconceptions.” Following the questions, Socrates then urges Glaukon
to look even deeper and consider a certain possibility. This marks the point where
Socrates is able to push the direction of the story towards an understanding of the
lesson he wishes to teach Glaukon.
4. “That being the case, should he remember his fellow prisoners and their original
dwelling and what was accepted as wisdom in that setting, don’t you imagine he would
consider himself fortunate for this transformation, and feel pity for the captives?” Once
Glaukon understands how the main character of the story would be effected by the new
possibility that was introduced, Socrates then brings the story back to what was before
the new discovery. This allows Glaukon to connect the newly learned idea back to the
exemplary story.
5. “Then, my friend Glaukon, this image applies to everything we’ve been discussing.” After
connecting each idea in the story, Socrates then begins to explain his idea/lesson to
Glaukon outside of the story. This is significant because Socrates can now dive deeper
into his idea knowing that Glaukon has an understanding of the example.
6. “What our message now signifies is that the ability and means of learning is already
present in the soul.” This is where he establishes the main idea of the lesson. This is
important because it concludes the lesson and leaves Glaukon with one main idea.
My detailed analysis on these six turns in Socrates’ argument allowed me to recognize the ways
in which Socrates walks his student through the lesson in a structured manner. I believe that
each turn is equally significant in creating an environment where the student is able to grasp
the concept. Socrates’ uses a method of teaching that lets students connect ideas together in
their own mind, step by step. I chose six argument parts instead of five because I believe that
each of these structure the dialogue well and display each step Socrates’ took to establish his
argument. Reading with an eye for structure does not come naturally to me, but this assignment
has allowed me to find a series of steps that allow me to find the hidden structure within texts.