Having dispensed with subject, Socrates moves logically to its complement: style.Īfter a brief misunderstanding, Socrates and Adeimantus deduce three fundamental styles of narration: single voice (or narrative), mimetic, and a mix of the two. Neither men nor gods may be depicted acting in an ambiguous, morally undesirable, manner. In the end, the only acceptable subjects for poetry and literature are strictly didacticthey teach the guardians four cardinal virtues: wisdom, justice, courage, and temperance. He examines several poetic descriptions of courage (the overcoming of fear of death) and of the underworld, and the philosopher then demonstrates his willingness to bowdlerize even Homer's inimitable lines when they do not serve his purposes. With Adeimantus and Glaucon as auditors, Socrates recommences his attack on libelous poetry and fiction as unsuitable for the early education of the guardians of the State. The dialogue on theological principles picks up where it left off in the previous book.
0 kommentar(er)
