due 3/28

1. Short Paragraph – Personal Reflection: Before reading the selection from Plato write at least one full paragraph on this question: Why do you think Plato (or anyone else) would want to censor Homer? Think about Achilles as a "hero," and why or why not his personal characteristics are something that should be promoted, or not.

I think that they would ban Homer because it incites violence and ideas that would not be good for society, such as betrayal and disobedience to your superior. These ideas may influence people in society and make them do those things, causing a disturbance

2. Then read pp. 76-85 (Section b). Secondary or Literary Education)


3. Short Answers – Text based questions. Answer both questions, answers can be just a few sentences


a. According to Plato, what are some aspects of poetry that should be banned and why? In other words, how can poetry undermine the education of a Guardian?


And


b. What should poetry “teach” and why?

Characters that lie, or disrespect the king. Also decribing the afterlife as a dark, gloomy place. Also get rid of the horrifying names and places in the underworld.

4. If you were talking to Plato what would you say to him? Do you agree with his ideas? Do you think poetry, or literature in general, should be put to the purposes that he says it should?