With his novel, The Cave, José Saramago has given us a parable for our time, seamlessly integrating the story of Plato’s Cave with the story of Cipriano Algor, an aging potter.
Algor has always made his living from selling his pottery. But modern mass manufacturing technology and “the center”, a recently-opened mega-mall/lifestyle complex, have combined to quickly strangle Algor’s livelihood.
To add insult to injury, Algor’s son-in-law, Marçal, takes a job as a security guard at “the center” – a city in itself, with apartments and amenities that few can afford. Because of his employment as a security guard, Marçal is allowed to secure an apartment for his entire family – his pregnant wife, her father and his companion.
Saramago presents us with a wealth of emotional struggles as Algor weighs giving in to “progress” against his own pride as an individual, wanting to continue to contribute to society. The novel truly asks itself and its readers the difficult questions:
What brings value to a life? Is it what we make of ourselves despite all odds?
Are our lives truly our own to live as we see fit?
What would we give up to bring happiness to our loved ones?
And, most importantly: Is the path of least resistance reserved for those who have forsaken their individuality?
