A hypophora is a rhetorical device where you ask a question and immediately answer it. This could be a single question or a series of questions, but you answer each of them subsequently. You can use this to introduce a new topic of discussion or grab your readers' attention with the curiosity your question may stir. In this article, we discuss the unique nature of hypophora and the effects and examples of this rhetorical device.

Difference between a hypophora and a rhetorical question

A hypophora differs from a rhetorical question. Rhetorical questions are questions you ask without expecting an answer and not offering any because the answers are pretty obvious. The aim is often to provoke your audience's thoughts and have them consider an aspect of a subject or idea they haven't considered before. A hypophora is similar, except in this case, you proffer a solution to the questions you ask. It comes in handy in creating a rhetorical effect rather than in provoking a philosophical conversation.

Effects of Hypophora

The questions of a hypophora are often attention-grabbing. They can pique readers' interest in the subject you are writing about. And the device also offers a compelling way to open your writing. As a rhetorical device, a hypophora helps you segue into a new subject or take the current one in a new direction.

Examples of Hypophora in Narrative Fiction

Many statements by prominent fictional characters employ hypophora, which makes these statements remarkable, encapsulating the theme of famous literary works. And here are three examples:

Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White: “After all, what's a life, anyway? We're born, we live a little while, we die. A spider's life can't help being something of a mess, with all this trapping and eating flies. By helping you, perhaps I was trying to lift up my life a trifle. Heaven knows anyone's life can stand a little of that.” Here, Charlotte explains why she took the time to help Wilbur, making the thematic point that the best use of one's life is to help others.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: “'Why candles?' objected Daisy, frowning. She snapped them out with her fingers. 'In two weeks, it’ll be the longest day in the year.' She looked at us all radiantly. 'Do you always watch for the longest day of the year and then miss it? I always watch for the longest day in the year and then miss it.’” This is a fascinating use of hypophora. Here, Daisy muses about light, time, and her habits. This expression appears trivial but evokes her personality and piques readers' interest in her character.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: “Well, what if—say, Mr. Link Deas had to decide the amount of damages to award, say, Miss Maudie, when Miss Rachel ran over her with a car. Link wouldn’t like the thought of losing either lady’s business at his store, would he? So he tells Judge Taylor that he can’t serve on the jury because he doesn’t have anybody to keep store for him while he’s gone. So Judge Taylor excuses him. Sometimes he excuses him wrathfully.” Here, Atticus Finch tries to explain to his children the inner working of the jury system and why people in a small town would want to avoid jury duties. His question creates a scenario that allows his children to understand the point he is trying to make.

References:

E. B. White, Charlotte's Web. Harper & Row, 1952

F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, Charles Scribner's Sons, 1925

Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird, J. B. Lippincott & Co., 1960