- n this section, introduce the problem. Explain Plato’s rules regarding poetic censorship. What does he want to censor and why? What needs to be removed from poetry and why? What kind of poetry is acceptable? What are his rules for ‘good’ poetry?
- In this section, choose a passage from the Iliad that we have read in class and rewrite it using Plato’s rules for good poetry. This section should include the original passage as a reference.
- A conclusion that contains 3 differing reflections, that reflects on Plato’s rules, how they transform poetry. Each reflection should answer the following questions:
Is Plato right to censor poetry? Are his reasons good/valid reasons?
Will eliminating the aspects of poetry that Plato wants to eliminate help to create his perfect society? Why/why not?
Do we perhaps want/need poetry to show us the things that Plato wants to eliminate? Why/why not?