Dialogismos; or, Dialogue Dî-al-o-gis-mos . Greek, διαλογισμός, conversation, arguing, from διαλογίζεσθαι (dialogizesthai), to converse, argue .
This figure is used when we represent one or more persons as speaking about a thing, instead of saying it ourselves: Dialogue .
The persons speak in a manner suitable to their character or condition.
When there are not two persons represented, but the objecting and answering is done by the one speaker, the figure is called LOGISMUS, and what is stated is said to be in dialogismo, or in logismo .
Sometimes the speaker brings forward another as speaking, and uses his words, adapting them to the object in view.
The Latins called this figure SERMOCINATIO, which means the same thing.
Isaiah 1:14-19. -“They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying,
Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms? etc.,
but thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch,” etc.
Isaiah 1:63-6 .-“Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? This that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength?
I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.
Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat?
I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me; for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment. For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come.” etc.
Thus, vividly and powerfully, is the day of vengeance, and of judgment, described. And yet there are persons who take this passage as treating of Christ’s past work of grace on Calvary!
Micah 2:4 .-“In that day shall one take up a parable against you, and lament with a doleful lamentation, and say, We be utterly spoiled:” etc. (See under Polyptoton).
Zechariah 1:8-23. -“It shall yet come to pass that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities: And the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying,
Let us go speedily to pray before the Lord, and to seek the Lord of hosts: I will go also.
Yea, many people and strong nations shall come,” etc. See Polyptoton .
Some think that Paul, when he says, in
1 Corinthians 9:24, “So run, that ye may obtain,” does not directly exhort the Corinthians himself; but by a Sermocinatio, brings forward and uses that incitement which the trainers and spectators in the public contests usually employed.
Other examples may be found under Antimetathesis, and in Matthew 1:25-39 . Luke 1:13-9, Luke 1:15-32 .