Epiplexis (e-pi-plex’-is): Asking questions in order to chide, to express grief, or to inveigh. A kind of rhetorical question [–the speaker does not expect an answer].
Why am I such a shitty father? I wake up on the floor and you’re already up pouring milk on the kitchen counter, cereal bowl overflowing—what a mess. Just like our lives. When your mother left with her “work out” instructor, you were 2, and it’s been downhill ever since. Why can’t I pull it together? It’s just a matter of time before Child Protection Services comes banging on our door. I’m not crying, but I’m close—close to running out the door wailing and disappearing over the horizon. I didn’t mean that, but I’m heartbroken.
Why can’t I stop sobbing and do something? Why can’t I do the right thing for once? Mama’s still paying for my health insurance. Although it probably won’t work, I am going to try counseling.
First order of business: dump the vodka down the drain and give you a bath. I am so sorry Rusty. I’ll make it up to you, I promise.
Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu). Bracketed text added by Gorgias.
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