Answer To A Rhetorical Question

If you don't want an answer; don't ask the question.

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The entry-way was similar to most homes of Victorian architecture. A large ornate door with a beveled glass window next to a frosted-glass panel of a flowering vine comprised the front wall. The highly polished hardwood flooring reflected the sunlight that entered through the glass and illuminated the tall clock with a mahogany body, white face, and a brass pendulum.

Sixteen year old Andrew hated the clock. Well, not exactly hated, but more likely he didn’t much like it. Its stature made it a frightening addition to the space. The clock was a part of the house for as long as Andrew could remember. Each day his father would use the key kept in the mahogany cabinet to wind it. He could not recall it being anywhere aside from where it stood, right of the door, against the wall, opposite the row of coat-hooks on the wall with an arched opening to the living room. I wonder what is under there, he thought looking at the clock. I’m sure no one has cleaned under it for years, he continued with his thought.

The long-haired grey cat, that shared the residence, but was seldom seen, crossed between Andrew and the clock. As though reading his mind he looked at Andrew ... then at the clock. “Are you thirsty,” Andrew asked as he turned toward the kitchen. He was aware the cat only appeared at feeding times, or if the water bowl was empty.

“No I’m fine,” a small, but clear voice replied.

“Who said that? Who’s there?”Andrew asked turning sharply toward the voice.

“Who do you think said it?”

Andrew stared at the cat in wonderment. “You can talk? he asked.

“Of course I can talk. You must have known that, or why would you ask me a question?”

“I asked you a question?” Andrew was uncertain this episode was real. Was his imagination playing tricks on him?

“Yes, you asked me a question. You asked if I was thirsty. So tell me, if you didn’t expect an answer, why did you ask the question?” The cat stared at Andrew, and began a slow swinging of his tail. The hypnotic movement mirrored the brass pendulum of the clock. Andrew heard cats display this behavior when they are irritated or anxious.

“People do that a lot. It’s called a rhetorical question ... they ask a question, but do not anticipate, or at times even want, a response.”

“That doesn’t seem right. They should not only expect an answer, they should listen to it.”

“Maybe so, but what if they really don’t want an answer?”

“Then why ask the question?”

This might be an over simplification, but people often use the rhetorical question to keep their thoughts organized.”

“Say what? That sounds like double talk. How can a question without an answer assist with organization?”

“Well, you start out with an answer and then you voice your doubt with a question.”

“So what you’re saying is, once you have made up your mind...even if you’re not sure of yourself, ... you don’t want anyone else doubting you. Does that sound about right?”

“Not exactly. Sometimes the question is said in your mind, not out loud. The question helps you to organize your thoughts.”

“I get it, but it has always been my practice to think, before I speak. Then there is no need for doubt.”

Andrew decided there was no need to further discuss the issue with a cat. He turned, and went into the reading room where his father was engrossed in a mystery novel.

“You busy, or can we talk?”

“Is that a rhetorical question? his father inquired.

Andrew wondered if his father heard his earlier conversation. “I just had that discussion with the cat,” he said.

“I’m sure you did, and what did the cat say?”

“I’ll let him explain,” he said calling the feline.

“Tell my dad, what do you think of a rhetorical question?” Though his father was amused as the cat cocked its head obviously not understanding; he maintained a stoic expression.

“Are you not going to talk?” Andrew asked as he turned away angry and embarrassed.

“I take it that was a rhetorical question.” It was a slightly audible whisper.

By Robert L. Scarry

From: United States

Twitter: usnavy1990bob

Facebook URL: https://www.Facebook,com/Robert.scarry.3