Speech is dialogue

In the dialogues between mother and daughter and between the two sisters (Electra and Chrysothemis) we see clearly that they have alienated each other. 

We feel their differences, the distance between them, their loathing, their hatred, their dispute. 

Relationships of this kind cause anomalies in social life and have the tendency to disrupt the unity and to dismantle society.

If we look closely at the relationships of this kind, we will realize that their common factor is disagreement and lack of emotional connection.

Thus, we could say, with a certain degree of skepticism, that these relationships are “anti-spiritual”. Their origin lies in a tragic misunderstanding regarding the role of others, which role has been described by Jean-Paul Sartre in his quote “My hell is the others”.

Roger Garaudy looked deeply in this issue and reached the exactly opposite conclusion: “My heaven is the others”. He even dedicated his book “Human Speech” to proving the great importance of dialogue. 

Psychoanalysis- as everyone knows- used effectively the dialogue as a way of curing mental illness.

When we disagree with someone, isn’t dialogue the suggested solution? Therefore, we are well aware of its role, judging from our personal experience. 

Dialogue in ancient Greek drama

The texts of the ancient Greek drama were especially created for the use of dialogue. As we can see in the dialogue between Clytemnestra and Electra, they both talk about the law and justice. So, what is their dispute about? I will answer that with the help of a historical event. 

Criton suggests that Socrates escapes from prison. He even justifies his suggestion using a number of arguments and tries to convince his friend of accepting his proposition. Socrates starts the conversation in good faith, without scolding his friend for his immoral suggestion. The first thing he says is: “My friend Criton, your eagerness is valuable, if only your words had a shred of rightness”.

So, Socrates, and also the tragic poets are concerned about rightness and we, as spectators, are prompted to check if the dialogues we hear are in fact correct. The point of the dialogue is that spectators understand this rightness. 

Let’s look closer at the content of the notion “διάλογος” (“dialogue”) in connection to the notion “λόγος” (“speech”) [since these notions are related both through their etymology and their meaning]. The preposition “δια” means that we deal with speech between two or more persons. The “λόγος” (“speech”) is the expression, the revelation of our mental world with the help of language. Language is considered as a tool for communicating and speech is the act of communicating in a logical manner. Because “λόγος” means also justification and rational thought. The dialogue always “means well” since, in order for it to start, good will is required. Line 554: “But if you let me, I will tell you good things about the dead man and my sister.” Line 556: “I leave you and if you start talking this way, then your words will not fall heavy on my ears”.

This question arises: Do the ancient Greek texts provide us with solutions?

These texts were written in order to educate citizens and help them reach a deep level of consciousness. The structure itself of these texts is meant to allow the different ideas collide. 

When it comes to us, these texts offer us the greatest lesson of democracy.