Hypophora, also referred to as anthypophora or antipophora, is a figure of speech in which the speaker poses a question and then answers the question.[Silva Rhetoricae (2006). "Anthypophora". Brigham Young University.] 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
The word anthypophora is present in
Ancient Greek[Willamette University College of Law (2006). Anthypophora (and Relatives) ] and is mentioned by the
Ancient Rome orator
Quintilian 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.
[ Quintilian, Institutio Oratoria IX.3.87] An earlier work by the Greek rhetorician
Gorgias mentions anthypophora in its current definition, that is, presenting an opposing argument and then refuting it.
The 16th-century English
handbook
The Arte of English Poesie, reputedly by
George Puttenham, gives the current definition of Anthypophora as well as numerous examples.
[The Shakespeare Authorship Page (2006). The Arte of English Poesie (From Book 3, Chapter 19)]
Hypophora vs. 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). 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 explaining
Jesus 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). A Handbook of Rhetorical Devices]
See also
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Apophasis
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Figure of speech
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Rhetorical question
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Cuddon, J.A., ed. The Penguin Dictionary of Literary Terms and Literary Theory. 3rd ed. Penguin Books: New York, 1991.
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External links
