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"aporia"
Definition: A figure of speech in which the speaker expresses real or simulated doubt or perplexity. In classical rhetoric, aporia means placing a claim in doubt by developing arguments on both sides of an issue. In the terminology of deconstruction, aporia is a final impasse or paradox--the site at which the text most obviously undermines its own rhetorical structure, dismantles, or deconstructs itself. Dubitatio, a form of aporia, is the expression of feigned doubt about the ability to speak well. Also see: What Is Aporia?
Etymology:
From the Greek, "without passage"
Examples and Observations:
- "A virginal air, large blue eyes very soulful and appealing, a dazzling fair skin, a supple and resilient body, a touching voice, teeth of ivory and the loveliest blond hair--there you have a sketch of this charming creature whose naive graces and delicate traits are beyond our power to describe."
(Marquis De Sade)
- "I come not, friends, to steal away your hearts:
I am no orator, as Brutus is;
But, as you know me all, a plain, blunt man,
That love my friend."
(Antony in Shakepeare's Julius Caesar)
- "Am I no better than a eunuch or is the proper man – the man with the right to existence--a raging stallion forever neighing after his neighbor’s womankind? Or are we meant to act on impulse alone? It is all a darkness."
(Ford Maddox Ford, The Good Soldier)
- "I don't thinks it's proving anything, Doc. As a matter of fact, I don't even know what it means. It's just one of those things that gets in my head and keeps rolling around in there like a marble."
(Peter Falk as Lieutenant Columbo in the episode "Double Exposure," Columbo)
- "Uh, how do I say this without being offensive? Marge, there ain't enough booze in this place to make you look good."
(Moe in The Simpsons)
 Pronunciation: eh-POR-ee-eh Also Known As: dubitatio
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