Lies, Analogies, and (In)effectual Words: Plato and Nietzsche on the Truth of Myth and Allegory

Lies, analogies, and (in)effectual words: these tropes litter the works of Plato and Nietzsche. Throughout the works of both authors, there lurks a haunting question: Can the poetic devices of myths and images point beyond themselves and actually disclose something that is eternally true?

This is the question which this paper addresses. It begins by examining Nietzsche’s understanding of myth before turning to his caustic critique of Plato’s scorn for the poetic arts. It then attempts to reconcile Plato and Socrates’ apparent scorn for poetic devices with their prolific usage of them. It traces how Socrates and Plato employ the trope of poetic analogy, comparing their usage of analogy to that of 20th century English writer Charles Williams; here, it becomes evident that Williams’ usage of likenesses and distinctions closely parallels and sheds light upon Socrates and Plato’s own usage of analogies as they seek not only to disclose truth but also to dispel falsehood.

Ultimately, however, it appears that even analogy falls flat—and the whole of the Republic fails as a poetic but futile project—if the divine does not break in.