Final answer:
Socrates used the metaphor of the gadfly to represent how he 'cared for the souls' of Athenians by disturbing and questioning their beliefs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The image of the gadfly is a metaphor used by Socrates to explain how he 'cared for the souls' of Athenians. In Socrates' allegory, he describes the people of Athens as prisoners in a cave who can only see shadows on a wall. The gadfly represents Socrates himself, who acts as a disturber or irritant to the Athenians, constantly questioning their beliefs and encouraging them to think critically and seek truth. Just as a gadfly bothers a horse and keeps it from being lazy, Socrates believes he is fulfilling his duty to wake the Athenians up from their ignorance and guide them towards wisdom.
The imagery of the gadfly is derived from the philosopher Socrates, who used it to describe his role in Athenian society. Like a gadfly, which continuously buzzes around a horse, prodding and annoying it to keep it awake and active, Socrates saw himself as stimulating the city-state of Athens through rigorous questioning and dialogue. He aimed to awaken the Athenians from complacency, challenging them to pursue truth and self-reflection. This pestering yet vital role was part of what Socrates felt was his divine mission to care for the souls of his fellow citizens by encouraging philosophical inquiry and a well-examined life.