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Cheng Chen

Dr. Megan Becker

ENG 303 1001

February 5, 2021

Exam Practice Questions

Question 3

In Book X, Socrates discusses a conceptual illustration of imitation by applying the

mimesis in action. He explains the metaphor of the three beds. The first form of bed is made by

God. Notably, God is the producer of all things, and he produces the idea of bed. The second

form of bed is produced by the carpenter. The individual can produce items with the exact image

as developed by God. Further, their actions are from a single perspective rather than their

underlying feelings or perspectives (Book X, 80). The third form of bed is produced by the

painter, which results from an imitation form of what the preceding two creators develop.

Socrates argues that the painter imitates the craftsman as they emulate God's work.

The painter's works are purer imitation as he bases his creation by copying the looks of

the objects formed by the artisans. The illustration satisfies Socrates’s argument that imitative

artists are at a level below other kinds of makers or doers (Book X, 79). Notably, Socrates uses

painting to demonstrate the behavior of the third generation. The imitative artist's work can be

copied by anyone else since imitation is far from the original, thus holding only a small part of

the original creation.

Anyone can become an initiative artist since imitating facilitates different individuals to

illustrate a single perspective from a diverse field of views. Socrates also indicates that those

who make items at the third position do not align it with its natural form. The argument
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demonstrates how people add more subjective and artificial presence to the original idea as the

generations flow (Book X, 82). The mimetic assumption aligns with Plato's reference that art is

like a mirror, which portrays it as an activity that cannot be original and has to derive its ideas

from the existing ideas. The painter, the last creator, focuses on their interests while painting the

craft developed by the preceding creators. Further, there is no limitation to any additions or

subtractions from the creation, making the position suitable to any individual.

Question 4

Socrates states that people should not apply pathos and logos equally. He indicates that human

qualities deserve an independent consideration not to result in wrong decision-making. The

argument aligns with the need for a conscious mind when seeking to fulfill needs. Humans are

prone to lust and anger, which requires them to probe each of the natural facts in their brains. If

the individuals feel engulfed with anger or lust, they could apply the logos, which probes the

rationality of the action (Book X, 88). For example, a person seeking justice through revenge

may examine other suitable methods of solving the issue. Similarly, the pathos will allow them

to examine the emotional relation of the other party. Socrates' statement cautions against the

application of both principles on making up decisions. For example, an angry individual

applying both logos and pathos in fulfilling his lust will only consider his own emotions rather

than those of the other party. Ultimately, the action may not be of interest to the other party, thus

causing anger and mistrust.

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Work Cited

Leitch, V. B., Cain, W. E., Finke, L., McGowan, J., Sharpley-Whiting, T. D., & Williams, J.

(2018). The Norton anthology of theory and criticism. W.W. Norton & Company.