What do you call a Question that You expect a Yes Response? For example, when you say "Isn't it a nice day outside?" you expect the other person to say "yes, it is"
What's the name of this literary device or rhetorical device?
Thanks,
Wordswirth
The answer is reflected in your last sentence. It is referred to as a "rhetorical question." This is also applicable to questions for which you expect a "no" answer, and probably also valid for a question you recognize has no answer, such as "I wonder what lies beyond the edge of the Universe?"
Added via edit: after reading your question again, especially with your example of "Isn't it a nice day outside?" I decided to add this footnote. There's also a type of conversation referred to as "small talk." In some regional variations, it's also called "chewing the rag" (at least in the Midwest). There are surely other regional equivalents. What it means is "conversation meant more to engage a pleasant companion, as opposed to exchanging real information."
Rhetorical questions and small talk are probably just points on a continuum.
... it's also called "chewing the rag" (at least in the Midwest). ...
"chewing the fat" is also used.
Emmett
... it's also called "chewing the rag" (at least in the Midwest). ...
"chewing the fat" is also used.
Emmett
These may be closely related to to "leading questions." Leading questions are intended to manipulate the answerer toward a desired decision or action. They are used a lot in sales.
Examples:
"You can afford $200 per month, right?"
"Do you want your family to be safe while they drive?"
"Do you want to spend the rest of your life trading hours for dollars?"