The Truth Alone Will Suffice: Traces of Spoken Language in Plato’s Apology of Socrates

Abstract

With the help of a theoretical framework proceeding from the study of the distinction between oral and written discourse in modern languages, this paper approaches some linguistic phenomena present in the Apology of Socrates — anacolutha, discourse markers, repetitions, enumerations, etc. — as traces of spoken language, consciously placed by Plato in his literary recreation of his master’s oration. Thus, the claim made by Socrates at the beginning of the speech, that he has not prepared beforehand his defence, finds support in those stylistic marks, which contribute to enhancing the sense of spontaneity of his words.