Plato’s Theories and the Matrix: Comparative Essay
Your task is to write a reflective essay on Plato’s Theories of Reality and the Matrix. In your essay, you are to make
connections to the following:
 Plato’s Theory of the Soul
 Plato’s Theory of Recollection
 Plato’s Theory of Forms
 Plato’s Allegory of the Cave
 Sophie’s World
Your essay should be 2 ½ to 3 pages in length (double spaced) and in MLA format. When you are making your
connections, be sure to use specific examples to help support your thought. While viewing the video, you may wish
to jot down scenes, quotes, ideas etc., from the movie.
Be sure your essay has a proper introduction, body and conclusion.
Plato’s Theories and the Matrix: Comparative Essay Rubric
Category/Level
Knowledge/
Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry
Communication
Application
Comments:
Level 1
-Limited
understanding of
Plato’s Theories in
connection to the
Matrix
-Limited
identification of
similarities and
differences between
Plato’s Theories and
the Matrix
-Communicated
information and
ideas with limited
clarity
Level 2
-Some
understanding of
Plato’s Theories in
connection to the
Matrix
-Some identification
of similarities and
differences between
Plato’s Theories and
the Matrix
Level 3
-Good
understanding of
Plato’s Theories in
connection to the
Matrix
-Good identification
of similarities and
differences between
Plato’s Theories and
the Matrix
-Communicated
information and
ideas with some
clarity
-Communicated
information and
ideas with good
clarity
Level 4
-Excellent
understanding of
Plato’s Theories in
connection to the
Matrix
-Excellent
identification of
similarities and
differences between
Plato’s Theories and
the Matrix
-Communicated
information and
ideas with excellent
clarity
-Limited use of
examples to support
thoughts
-Some use of
examples to support
thoughts
-Good use of
examples to support
thoughts
-Excellent use of
examples to support
thoughts
-Limited
explanation of
examples
-Some explanation
of examples
-Good explanation
of examples
-Excellent
explanation of
examples
-Many spelling and
grammatical errors
-Some spelling and
grammatical errors
-A few spelling and
grammatical errors
-Limited
connections made
between all of
Plato’s Theories,
Sophie’s World and
the Matrix
-Some connections
made between all of
Plato’s Theories,
Sophie’s World and
the Matrix
-Good connections
made between all of
Plato’s Theories,
Sophie’s World and
the Matrix
-Only one or two
spelling and
grammatical errors
-Excellent
connections made
between all of
Plato’s Theories,
Sophie’s World and
the Matrix