LessonsDefining the Subject by Demonstration: Rhetorical Purposes of DemonstrativesQuiz

To analyze a demonstrative's rhetorical effect, it is not enough to name its grammatical form. Identify the referent, determine what kind of pointing is involved, and then infer the contextual purpose.

UsageExampleEffect
Literal nearnessهٰذَا صَدِيقِيSingle out the visible friend
Near form for contemptأَهَٰذَا الَّذِي يَذْكُرُ آلِهَتَكُمْBelittle in a hostile utterance
Far form for reverenceذٰلِكَ الْكِتَابُSuggest elevated rank
Far form for contemptذٰلِكَ الظَّالِمُExpress rejection and contempt

The contrast turns on reference and context. A grammatical form may carry a different force in a different setting; one isolated word never determines all its rhetorical uses.

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Comparing rhetorical nearness and distance

Defining the Subject by Demonstration: Rhetorical Purposes of Demonstratives

To analyze a demonstrative's rhetorical effect, it is not enough to name its grammatical form. Identify the referent, determine what kind of pointing is involved, and then infer the contextual purpose.

UsageExampleEffect
Literal nearnessهٰذَا صَدِيقِيSingle out the visible friend
Near form for contemptأَهَٰذَا الَّذِي يَذْكُرُ آلِهَتَكُمْBelittle in a hostile utterance
Far form for reverenceذٰلِكَ الْكِتَابُSuggest elevated rank
Far form for contemptذٰلِكَ الظَّالِمُExpress rejection and contempt

The contrast turns on reference and context. A grammatical form may carry a different force in a different setting; one isolated word never determines all its rhetorical uses.