Lost in Perception: Plato’s Cave Allegory in ‘1899’ TV Show

The mind-bending TV show, ‘1899’, takes viewers on a voyage through a puzzle box of reality and illusion. But beneath the trippy visuals and cryptic mysteries lies a foundation built on a philosophical cornerstone: Plato’s Allegory of the Cave.

The Allegory’s Echoes in 1899

Plato’s allegory describes people chained in a cave, mistaking flickering shadows on the wall for reality. One escapes, venturing into the blinding light of the true world. Returning to warn the others, they are ridiculed for their claims of a world beyond the shadows.

This allegory perfectly mirrors the experience of the characters in 1899. They board the Kerberos, a ship seemingly sailing towards a new life in America. However, their reality is constantly disrupted by strange occurrences, hinting at something more sinister at play.

Characters as Allegorical Figures

The Passengers:

The passengers on the Kerberos represent the prisoners in the cave. Their initial perception is limited by the constructed reality of the simulation.

Maura Franklin:

Maura, the troubled creator of the simulation, could be seen as the one who escaped the cave. She understands the true nature of their world but struggles to be believed.

Light and Shadow: A Recurring Motif

The series employs light and shadow as recurring motifs. The flickering lanterns in the ship’s underbelly represent the limited knowledge of the passengers. As characters begin to question their reality, they experience flashes of blinding light, mirroring the escapee from Plato’s cave.

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Beyond Plato: The Series’ Uniqueness

While heavily influenced by Plato’s allegory, ‘1899’ goes beyond a simple retelling. The series explores themes of trauma, memory, and the nature of consciousness. It delves into the possibility of creating a simulated reality so complex that it becomes indistinguishable from our own.

A Show That Demands Contemplation

‘1899’ is not a show for passive viewing. It demands active participation from the audience, forcing them to question what they see and believe. By weaving Plato’s allegory into its narrative, the series invites viewers to contemplate the true nature of reality and the possibility that our own perception might be nothing more than shadows on a cave wall.

—Silviya.Y