Transforming through dialogue in Bernard Malamud's the assistant
Dialogue; Face; Interpersonal; Medium; Other; Relationship; Self; Transformation
This paper investigates the importance and relevance of dialogue in interpersonal relationship and argues that the authentic interpersonal relationship is essentially dialogic and transforming. The importance and the transforming effects of dialogue are explored through an analysis of Bernard Malamud's novel The Assistant. An attempt is made to understand the relationship between philosophy and literature while at the same time an interrogation is made to analyse the role of dialogue in philosophy and literature. For this it makes use of the Philosophy of Dialogue proposed by Martin Buber and Emmanuel Levinas. The analysis shows that dialogue acts as a medium through which human beings interact and it has the potential to transform people. The results of this study clearly emphasize the possibility of using dialogue as a tool for transformation in day to day life. 2017 Journal of Dharma: Dharmaram Journal of Religions and Philosophies (DVK, Bangalore).
Journal of Dharma, Vol-42, No. 1, pp. 67-84.
Dharmaram College, Centre for the Study of World Religions
George R., Christ University, Bangalore, India; Kennedy J.J., Christ University, Bangalore, India