Rhetorical Question - Frankenstein

"His tale, and the feelings he now expressed, proved him to be a creature of fine sensations; and did I not as his maker, owe him all the portion of happiness that it was in my power to bestow?" (105).

This line spoken by Victor asks himself whether or not he should make a companion for his creation. He understands his creation's reasoning and tries to come to terms with himself for making another one. Victor has been severely affected mentally by his creation since day one. First he stops caring for himself just to make the thing, then he undergoes frequent depressions about what he has done. Every time he does something bad thereafter, Victor again blames himself and beats himself up about what he has done. The happy young man from the beginning completely vanishes into a depressed individual who has nothing figured out anymore. It would be a very difficult decision deciding whether or not to make another creature, especially when being threatened. Victor always seemed to seek answers but unfortunately never really found any.

Rhetorical Questions in "A Worn Path"

Phoenix travels far from her home to get to town through many woods and fields. As she travels she frequently talks to herself and to the noises or sights she sees on her journey. For example, she spots a buzzard in the field and asks, "Who you watching?" (225). Talking to herself seems to comfort her as she makes such a long journey alone. It also seems to help her feel less lonely and more powerful against these creatures she comes into contact with. Her thoughts are always focused on just getting through to the next step on her path while trying to prevent anything from inhibiting that. I felt a lot of sympathy for Phoenix. Despite her age, she continues to make trip after trip to town to help her grandson without any help from others.