ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

AT-HAR8-0008 · ATLAS 251

Epiplexis

A rhetorical question used to rebuke or shame rather than obtain information.

Explanation

The open form of a question carries a socially imposed judgement.

Example

How often will we go on asserting before we examine?

Counterexample

We should examine before making claims.

Effect on thought and perception

Turns questioning into an instrument of evaluation.

Resonance

A question mark carries the tension of a counter-impulse.

Cite this entry

Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Epiplexis“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-HAR8-0008. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-HAR8-0008

https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-HAR8-0008

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