- Hypophora
Hypophora, also referred to as anthypophora or antipophora, is a
figure of speech where the speaker poses a question and then answers the question.Silva Rhetoricae (2006). [http://rhetoric.byu.edu/Figures/A/anthypophora.htm Anthypophora] ]History
The word anthypophora is present in
Ancient Greek Willamette University College of Law (2006). [http://www.drbilllong.com/MoreWords/RhetDevII.html Anthypophora (and Relatives)] ] and is mentioned by the Roman oratorQuintilian in his book "Institutio Oratoria". In "Institutio 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. [http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Quintilian/Institutio_Oratoria/9C*.html#3.87" Quintilian, Institutio Oratoria IX.3.87] ] An earlier work by the Greek rhetoricianGorgias mentions anthypophora in its current definition, that is, presenting an opposing argument and then refuting it.Willamette University College of Law (2006). [http://www.drbilllong.com/MoreWords/RhetDevII.html Anthypophora (and Relatives)] ] The 16th-century English rhetorical handbook "The Arte of English Poesie", reputedly byGeorge Puttenham , gives the current definition of Anthypophora as well as numerous examples.The Shakespeare Authorship Page (2006). [http://shakespeareauthorship.com/ptext3.html The Arte of English Poesie (From Book 3, Chapter 19)] ]Hypophora v. Anthypophora
In recent times, a division has arisen between the definitions of hypophora and anthypophora. The "
Century Dictionary " identifies hypophora as the dissenting statement or question and anthypophora as the reply to the question.The Century Dictionary (2006). [http://www.global-language.com/CENTURY/ Hypophora; Anthypophora] ] Thus the two terms have come to embrace both elements of hypophora, as well as dealing with the whole concept.Effect
The rhetorical effectiveness lies in allowing the speaker to answer questions the listener may have. For instance, in Paul's
Epistle to the Romans , Paul is explainingJesus and he says "Is He" the God of the Jews only? "Is He" not 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.VirtualSalt (2006). [http://www.virtualsalt.com/rhetoric.htm#Hypophora A Handbook of Rhetorical Devices] ]ee also
*
Rhetorical question
*Figure of speech
* [http://www.americanrhetoric.com/figures/hypophora.htm Audio illustrations of hypophora]References
* Cuddon, J.A., ed. "The Penguin Dictionary of Literary Terms and Literary Theory." 3rd ed. Penguin Books: New York, 1991.*
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