Walter Mitty’s Personality Transformation in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013): Plato’s Allegory Cave

Abstract

A movie directed by Ben Stiller, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013), offers a visually
stunning narrative that has captivated audiences worldwide. This study examines the
transformation of Walter Mitty’s personality from the perspective of Plato’s Allegory of
the Cave. The research aims to explore how Walter’s journey symbolizes the transition
from illusion to self-discovery. Employing a qualitative method, this analysis focuses on
narrative and visual elements that reflect the allegorical process of emerging from the
"cave" of fantasy into meaningful reality. The data were collected by identifying relevant
scenes and analyzing them using Plato’s Allegory of the Cave theory. Walter Mitty’s
physical and mental transformation is central to his personal growth, demonstrating how
the film explores the theme of self-discovery. Ultimately, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
emphasizes the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone to face reality, mirroring
the process of breaking free from the cave to gain true knowledge.