The “Best of All Possible Worlds” or the “Worst of All Possible Worlds”

Plato has been hailed as a visionary, an idealist, a madman and a proto-fascist.  In a two-page essay (typed, double-spaced), support both arguments.  In the first paragraph use evidence from the Republic to support the contention that Plato has laid the contours of an ideal society.  Highlight at least three points from the Republic that demonstrate aspects of Plato’s ideal society.  Cite the page or section number.  Then in a second paragraph, argue the opposite with again at least three pieces of evidence from the Republic.  How is Plato’s dream of an ideal world actually a nightmarish vision of society? Again, please cite the page or section number.