Plato: The Nature of Literature and Its Justification

      Plato, a greek philosopher of around 400 B.C., embarked the first questions regarding poetry that still exist today: What is poetry? How does poetry operate? Indeed an art, but how does it justify itself as an art? Murray explores the depth of the paradox that Plato engaged in as one of the most poetical thinkers who "banished poetry from his ideal state." Plato strikes the modern reader as his desire is not to censor, alter, or edit the concept of poetry, but to completely expel its existence from history. Regarding such hostility, Murray asks a thundering question: "Why is Plato so afraid of poetry that he has to abolish even its greatest masterworks?" In response, history has recorded a list of questions that were asked by Plato that stir the minds of modern thinkers today:
          * What is and should be the function of imaginative literature in society? 
          * Is it dangerous in that it encourages emotions and feelings which ought to be kept in check, or is it therapeutic in that it allows us to give vent to our emotions in a harmless way? 
          * Should there be censorship? 
          * Is literature a form of escapism or does it deepen our insight into the nature of people and the world around us? 
Murray edits literature as an inclusion of modern television and film which automatically relates to "popular entertainment and the mass media." This changes everything. This makes sense of the confusion in attempting to understand why Plato was devotedly against poetry.
          Do popular television shows airing today (e.g. Jersey Shore, Teen Mom, Keeping Up With The Kardashians, Jerry Springer, Family Guy, etc.) encourage "emotions and feelings which ought to be kept in check, or is it therapeutic in that it allows us to give vent to our emotions in a harmless way?" Like poetry, media is categorized as an art that has both critical and praising viewpoints that conduct the same actions and responses that existed during Plato's time. Does watching the life of Kim Kardashian and her relationship with Reggie Bush really benefit your life in any way? Through modern day media and entertainment, perhaps there will be a greater understanding of Plato and his thoughts.