Revaluation of Syntactical Categories
Revaluation of syntactical
categories means the use of certain syntactical categories or forms
of their expression with their meanings transferred. Thus, a
statement which is usually given the form of a declarative sentence
may be expressed by means of interrogative sentence; several kinds
of sentence patterns may express negation, although they do not
contain any grammatical devices of negation (the negative particle
or negative pronouns).
Rhetorical
question is
an affirmative or negative statement which only assumes the form of
a' question. The use of the interrogative form performs an
expressive function since it implies direct appellation to the
hearer's opinion. The speaker never doubts what kind of answer to
his question can be expected, and the conclusion is left with the
hearer:
If this belief from heaven
be sent,
If such be Nature's holy
plan,
Have I not reason to
lament
What man has done of man?
(Wordsworth)
