Rhetorical Analysis Essay On Crito

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Jalen Rogers PHI 101 Dr. Yount 12/4/2012 Crito – Should He Stay? In this article by the great philosopher Plato, Plato depicts the time when Socrates was in prison for being accused of impiety and attempting to “corrupt” the youth. Socrates was sentenced to the ultimate penalty of death. Socrates awaits his execution, before his old friend Crito comes to visit him. Crito comes with a plan for Socrates, and has arranged an escape route for Socrates’ freedom. Crito comes to find out that his old friend Socrates seems very content with his awaiting of his death (623). Crito argues with Socrates to try and persuade him into leaving the prison he is unjustly in. One argument brought to Socrates from Crito was the fact that if Socrates accepted his dues, and didn’t escape his conviction that Socrates would be abandoning his sons, leaving them without a father (623). Another argument Crito brings to the table is that if Socrates accepts his death penalty he would be aiding his enemies in this wrongful and unjust conviction. Crito brings forth these arguments to Socrates, but Socrates replies with arguments of his own which I will be discussing about. Socrates speaks to Crito in a dialogue he is imagining that his accusers would say. Thus comes the “parent analogy” (624). The Athenians argued with Socrates in his made up…show more content…
If Socrates came to me with these arguments why I should stay in prison my mind would change, because I found the arguments sound. I would stay because I find that having good morals could benefit you in the long run, so owning up to your mistakes would provide a better consequence. Plus, if I had kids like Socrates had I would want them to be able to achieve at high levels, so if they were to lose their citizenship in the U.S. that would be devastating, because I know that the U.S. is the best country to live in in the
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