Reality or Illusion Essay -- essays research papers

In Andrew and Larry Wachowskis 1999 film, The Matrix, and Platos Republic, On Shadows and Realities,? originality and illusion be ace in the same. The Wachowski brothers allows the viewer to see how reality and illusion can be mistaken for the other, using a number of contrasting ideas found in Platos similitude of the Cave, showing that at times the dream area can be safer than real life. The matrix is a simulation that creates an imaginary world where people are prisoners from reality, much like Platos mythological The Cave. The cave holds prisoners inside a dark cave, chained in way prohibiting them from turning their heads, only able to see what is in front of them. All they see is a wall that displays images of what appears to be of people or animals passing behind them. These reflections or images are all the prisoners know of the world outside the cave. They see only what the marionette players want them to see projections of objects that are not real but seem real becaus e they have never seen the real world. People in the matrix only see what the machines show, making it difficult to wake up from a continuous dream show, trapped in an illusionary world unable to break free. However, some do break free. Through much effort, Platos freed man escapes, only to face a life of confusion and fear. With the matrix, most die trying to escape from it, but once free are just as confused as Platos freed man. His first reaction is to requite to the cave, which is familiar and s...