The melodic curves
of speech are
an expression of the complete organism
and of all phases of its
spiritual activities.
They demonstrate whether a
man is stupid or intelligent,
sleepy or awake,
tired or alert.
They tell us whether he is a child
or an old man,
whether it is morning
or evening, light or darkness,
heat or frost,
and disclose whether a person is
alone or in company.
The art of dramatic writing
is to compose a melodic curve
that will, as if by magic, reveal immediately a human being in
one definite phase of his existence.
-Leos Janacek