This event takes place for Jonathan only after he has finally mastered the art of flight and helps teach others what could best be described as a alternate plane of existence. In Jonathan Livingston Seagull, it may be recalled that Sullivan, a friend of the protagonist, is attempting to force Jonathan not to return to his home once the seagull decides to teach others the beauty of the metaphorical sun that he brought to light during his voyage. . Jonathan simply retorts with “Sully, I must go back,” showing that he feels an immense need to return to those he once cared for (Bach 61). A similar event occurs in Plato's tale of the prisoner. It is clear that the nameless man also feels a strong need to return to his prison. “And when he remembered his old home . . . and his fellow prisoners, don't think he would. . . pity him?" (Plato 2). If someone ever found themselves in this predicament, not to say being chained from birth is the norm, it seems very conceivable that he or she might feel this way. In both stories, both the prisoner that the seagull returns and it is shown that both are despised for their action This plays an important role in revealing the hidden meaning in both