Hypophora
Hypophora,also referred to asanthypophoraorantipophora,is afigure of speechin which the speaker poses a question and then answers the question.[1]Hypophora can consist of a single question answered in a single sentence, a single question answered in a paragraph or even a section, or a series of questions, each answered in subsequent paragraphs. Hypophora is used (1) as a transitional device, to take the discussion in a new direction, (2) a device to catch attention, since a reader's curiosity is stimulated by hearing a question, and (3) to suggest and answer questions the reader might not have thought of.
History[edit]
The word anthypophora is present inAncient Greek[2]and is mentioned by theRomanoratorQuintilianin his bookInstitutio Oratoria.InInstitutio Oratoria,Quintilian merely identifies anthypophora as a device used to verify the truth of something, and does not mention raising a hypothetical question or objection.[3]An earlier work by the Greek rhetoricianGorgiasmentions anthypophora in its current definition, that is, presenting an opposing argument and then refuting it.[2]The 16th-century EnglishrhetoricalhandbookThe Arte of English Poesie,reputedly byGeorge Puttenham,gives the current definition of Anthypophora as well as numerous examples.[4]
Hypophora vs. anthypophora[edit]
In recent times, a division has arisen between the definitions of hypophora and anthypophora. TheCentury Dictionaryidentifies hypophora as the dissenting statement or question and anthypophora as the reply to the question.[5]Thus, the two terms have come to embrace both elements of hypophora, as well as dealing with the whole concept.
Effect[edit]
The rhetorical effectiveness lies in allowing the speaker to answer questions the listener may have. For instance, inPaul'sEpistle to the Romans,Paul is explainingJesusand he says "Is Hethe God of the Jews only?Is Henot also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also "(Romans 3.29). In this manner, Paul confirms to the reader that God is god of both the Jews and Gentiles.[6]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- Cuddon, J.A., ed.The Penguin Dictionary of Literary Terms and Literary Theory.3rd ed. Penguin Books: New York, 1991.
- Smyth, Herbert Weir (1920).Greek Grammar.Cambridge MA: Harvard University Press. p. 679.ISBN0-674-36250-0.
- ^Silva Rhetoricae (2006)."Anthypophora".Brigham Young University.
- ^abWillamette University College of Law (2006).Anthypophora (and Relatives)ArchivedJune 27, 2006, at theWayback Machine
- ^"Quintilian, Institutio Oratoria IX.3.87
- ^The Shakespeare Authorship Page (2006).The Arte of English Poesie (From Book 3, Chapter 19)
- ^The Century Dictionary (2006).Hypophora; Anthypophora
- ^VirtualSalt (2006).A Handbook of Rhetorical Devices