In Sonnet XVIII by Shakespeare the first line says:
"Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?"
Is this a rhetorical question or hypothetical question? I have asked a similar question not long ago, but the answers I have received have confused me. Thanks.
2007-02-28 02:38:27 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Homework Help
rhetorical. He doesn't need an answer - he knows she's perfect so there's no comparison.
2007-02-28 02:43:37 · answer #1 · answered by sayhello 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hypothetical questions are conjecture, based on theory. Rhetorical questions are ideas and reflections posed in the form of a question.
If it were a hypothetical it might be translated thusly: "If you were a summer's day, how hot would you be?" Since the idea here is that the speaker already thinks you're that hot, that doesn't quite work. It's more along the lines of a statement of fact :"Can I just say that you are as hot as a summer's day?" This is quantified by the next line of the sonnet: Thou art more lovely and temperate.."
This quote is not "both" as one person replied. It is a rhetorical question.
And good on you for reading my beloved Bard. ;)
2007-02-28 03:15:50 · answer #2 · answered by Irish Red 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
rhetorical- he's not really wanting an answer to his question; he's just thinking out loud. An hypothetical question is more like a "what if.." question. What if the sun doesn't rise today, or what if my wheels fall off as I'm driving down the road- you are wanting someone's opinion of what will happen next. Hope that helps.
2007-02-28 02:43:15 · answer #3 · answered by zoogrl2001 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Technically it would be a rhetorical question, EXCEPT, he answers, "Thou art more lovely and more temperate" One doesnt answer a rhetorical question. It doesnt even qualify as a hypothetical, as that implies a situation that does not exist, and his answear makes the situation real. So in the end neither apply, it is poetical.
2007-02-28 02:50:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, considering that he continued to write after asking, the question obviously did not need an answer, and was rhetorical.
2007-02-28 02:48:07 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a rhetorical question becasue you are asking a question but your not asking for an answer. thats the best way I know how to explain this one, I really hope it helps!
2007-02-28 02:41:10 · answer #6 · answered by coffeelover 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This a rhetorical question
2007-02-28 02:41:38 · answer #7 · answered by staceysemi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its rhetorical because he does not want an answer
2007-02-28 02:46:27 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think it's none. It's just when you are pondering about what's the best way to tell the person how much you love him/her. It's a question to yourself, although you intend the question to another person (the person you want to compare to a summer's day).
2007-02-28 02:52:15 · answer #9 · answered by Luvfactory 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think its rhetorical but dont quote me on that!
2007-02-28 03:10:40 · answer #10 · answered by audiofreedom 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋