an endless circle of mutual misunderstanding.” (517) The end of the dialogue is somewhat distressing, in that, because Socrates’ methods of questioning have been unsuccessful, he is forced to resort to oratory. It is obvious that nothing that Socrates can say will sway Callicles’ opinion, so he chooses to relate his opinions to the will of the gods. While his speech may be somewhat inspiring to those present at the discussion, it is disheartening to see Socrates reduce himself to the level of orator. Although it is apparent that he is done trying to influence Callicles’ opinions with his tale of Zeus, Poseidon and Pluto, he is still digressing from his normal form of conversation. His final words, that “the way which you in mistaken confidence are urging upon me; it is quite worthless, Callicles”, are uncharacteristic of Socrates and perhaps show his frustration in his own inabilities. (527)Ultimately, Socrates remains mostly true to his method of discussion. His use of speeches as ways of expanding his opinions, rather than force them is quite successful for him, and it seems to lend itself well to his type of conversation. Despite a few digressions, he refrains from using oratory or rhetoric unlike the interlocutors, and although he is unable to convince Callicles of the “truth”, he is not unsuccessful in the sense that he defended himself against the methods of the sophists....
