What is the reaction of the cave-dwellers to the freed prisoners when he first returns to the cave?

When the freed prisoner returns to the cave, the cave-dwellers react with disbelief and hostility. They struggle to comprehend his descriptions of the outside world and are skeptical of his claims, preferring the familiar shadows they have always known. Their fear of the unknown leads them to dismiss or even threaten him, illustrating their resistance to change and enlightenment. This reaction underscores the theme of ignorance and the challenge of accepting new truths.