Rhetorical Expressions?
rhe-tor-i-cal [ri-tawr-i-kuh
l, -tor-]
–adjective
| 1. |
used for, belonging to, or concerned with mere style or effect. |
| 2. |
of, concerned with, or having the nature of rhetoric. |
ex-pres-sion [ik-spresh-uhn]
–noun
| 1. |
the act of expressing or setting forth in words: the free expression of political opinions. |
| 2. |
the manner or form in which a thing is expressed in words; wording; phrasing: delicacy of expression. |
| 3. |
the power of expressing in words: joy beyond expression. |
| 4. |
indication of feeling, spirit, character, etc., as on the face, in the voice, or in artistic execution: the lyric expression embodied in his poetry. |
| 5. |
the quality or power of expressing an attitude, emotion, etc.: a face that lacks expression; to read with expression. |
| 6. |
Linguistics. the stylistic characteristics of an utterance (opposed to meaning). |
Rhetorical questions are an everyday occurance. Mother to child in grocery store: “Do you want to go home and go straight to your bed?” Wife to husband as they stroll past the jewelry counter: “Honey, have I ever told you that I just love diamonds?” And we even ask them of ourselves: “But… chocolate is supposed to be good for you, right?” Rhetorical expressions are more loosely defined, but generally understood to be statements requiring no direct response.
In the strictest sense of the commonly understood definition, this blog will be comprised of thoughts, observations, and questions relating to the art of rhetoric. No response necessary. But my hope is that these thoughts and observations and questions will cause you to ponder the power of rhetorical expression and consider how the “stylistic characteristics of an utterance” can make or break a well-written speech. And maybe, over time, you’ll start asking similar questions and listening just a bit differently to the world around you.
