speech - Answering your own question


I have been wondering if this particular speaking device had a specific name. My wife uses a speaking technique where, instead of just making a statement, she presents it in the form of a question, and then immediately answers her own question. For example, instead of saying



I think you are wrong.



she would say,



Do I think you are wrong? Yes.



Or, similarly, instead of



I hate when he does that.



she would say



Do I hate when he does that? Yes.



Does this particular technique have a name? I have been trying to Google this, but have been stumped as to exactly what to search for.



Answer



This figure of speech is called hypophora. If you visit the Wikipedia entry for figures of speech or this web page about rhetoric, you can find more information about this and other devices.


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