Five Theses on Torture

In Idelber Avelar’s The Five Theses on Torture, the author expands upon the relationship between torture and language. As the topic for my essay, I automatically thought back to Elaine Scarry’s argument on how torture shapes one’s language, self and world. In the end, the torturer is really the physical entity of a voice which is the key component in torturing the victim who is just a physical entity. In Page Dubois’ text, the victim is of course not merely a physical entity but a physical entity with which contains alethia or the truth that remains hidden until uncovered.  The relationship between language and torture continues to play a prominent theme not just in The Five Theses on Torture but in other works as well. In Death and the Maiden, Dr. Miranda’s voice tortures Paulina for years even after the physical torture has ended. Language plays a vital role in all torture. Especially since torture entails a pain so overwhelming that it compels the victim to scream and lose all ability to utilize language as a possible means to escape the torture or make sense of it. Paulina even goes so far as to remember specific dialogues she has with Dr. Miranda, again emphasizing the power of language and voice with regards to torture.