The Republic: The Odyssey of Philosophy (Twayne's Masterwork Studies, No 122)

Written in an easy-to-read, accessible style by teachers with years of classroom experience, Masterwork Studies are guides to the literary works most frequently studied in high school. Presenting ideas that spark imaginations, these books help students to gain background knowledge on great literature useful for papers and exams. The goal of each study is to encourage creative thinking by presenting engaging information about each work and its author. This approach allows students to arrive at sound analyses of their own, based on in-depth studies of popular literature. Each volume: -- Illuminates themes and concepts of a classic text -- Uses clear, conversational language -- Is an accessible, manageable length from 140 to 170 pages -- Includes a chronology of the author's life and era -- Provides an overview of the historical context -- Offers a summary of its critical reception -- Lists primary and secondary sources and index Chronology: Plato's Life And Works -- 1. Plato's Athens -- 2. The Republic And The Origins Of Political Philosophy -- 3. Critical Provocations -- 4. Prelude: Interpreting Plato -- 5. The Philosophic Odyssey -- 6. A Host Of Challenges -- 7. Beginning Anew: Socratic Mythmaking And Philosophic Pedagogy -- 8. A Comic Tale Of Two Cities -- 9. Sun, Line, And Cave: Philosophical Imagination And Prophecy -- 10. Coming Home? Philosophy And Necessity In The Myth Of Er. Jacob Howland. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 169-176) And Index.