Rhetorical exclamation

A rhetorical exclamation is a stylistic figure that conveys the heightened emotional tension of an utterance through an exclamatory intonation, often framed by interjections and an exclamation mark. It communicates no information but expresses admiration, indignation, grief, joy or another strong feeling, lending speech a pathetic, agitated colouring. The rhetorical exclamation interacts closely with the rhetorical question and address, often forming with them a single emotional complex in lyric and oratorical speech. This figure is characteristic of the ode, hymn, civic poetry and journalism, where a direct expression of authorial pathos is needed. As a means of expressive syntax, the rhetorical exclamation reinforces the effect of the text on the feelings of the reader or listener.