Although Plato and Sartre had different intentions, they illuminated very similar limitations on human thought. They both use a form of symbolism to get their points across and demonstrate the power that the unknown posses. Plato used his symbols of shackles and darkness to portray the fear of the unknown in the “Allegory of thee Cave”. The chains physically limited the cave dwellers from moving and seeing for themselves what the shadows on the walls actually were. The fear was also shown in the men's rejection of the free man's assertions. They were so comfortable with their own sense of reality that they would-- and did-- kill to preserve that sense of normal. Sartre's example was so entirely conspicuous and blatant it could not be ignored. Garcin and Estelle where given a chance to escape their hell, and yet they refused to walk out of the door. Even Inez was afraid to be thrown out. This was because they were all so desperately afraid of the unknown they would rather not explore what they do not know. It is the same fear that Plato described in his allegory which restricts the characters abilities to think and react.
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