Introduction
Preterition is a rhetorical device in which a speaker or writer deliberately brings up a subject only to indicate that it will not be discussed in detail. The term originates from the Latin verb preterere, meaning “to put aside” or “to pass over.” In practice, preterition can manifest as an explicit statement such as “I will not mention X,” or more subtly through the omission of a topic after a brief acknowledgment. The device is employed to create irony, to deflect criticism, to emphasize another point, or to manage audience expectations. Its utility spans classical rhetoric, literary prose, political speech, and contemporary media discourse.
Historical Development
Classical Roots
Aristotle’s Rhetoric discusses various ways of addressing topics, including the notion of “avoiding the main point” for effect. While he does not use the term preterition, he describes a rhetorical strategy in which the speaker introduces a subject only to withdraw it, thereby highlighting the subsequent focus. This technique appears in the orations of Demosthenes and in the Latin writings of Cicero, where speakers would often preface a contentious issue with a disclaimer, such as “I do not wish to discuss the matter of …” and then shift to another argument.
Medieval and Renaissance Usage
During the Middle Ages, scholars such as Thomas Aquinas noted that preterition was a common method in theological debate to avoid direct confrontation over controversial doctrines. The Renaissance revived classical rhetorical techniques, and writers like Erasmus employed preterition in their satirical works to critique political institutions indirectly. The device is evident in the subtle dismissals found in the dialogues of Montaigne, who often alluded to sensitive topics without fully engaging with them.
Early Modern and Enlightenment Periods
The Enlightenment saw a shift toward more direct discourse, yet preterition remained a useful tool in political pamphlets. Voltaire, for instance, used it in his pamphlets to evade censorship while still addressing contentious subjects. In the 18th century, the use of preterition is also apparent in the letters of Benjamin Franklin, who would occasionally note “I will refrain from discussing this matter” before moving on to more constructive arguments.
19th and 20th Century Literature
In the 19th century, authors such as Charles Dickens and Fyodor Dostoevsky incorporated preterition into narrative dialogues to add layers of irony and to reveal character psychology. The 20th-century works of William Faulkner and Virginia Woolf further utilized the device to create stylistic complexity, especially in stream-of-consciousness passages where the narrator often mentions an idea only to leave it unexplored.
Contemporary Usage
In modern political rhetoric, preterition is employed by politicians when addressing scandalous topics. A typical example is the phrase “I will not get into the details of the affair” used to deflect scrutiny while allowing the speaker to proceed with unrelated policy points. The device also appears in journalistic practices, where editors may note a controversial source but choose not to elaborate to protect privacy or legal safety.
Linguistic Basis
Definition and Distinctions
Preterition is distinct from related rhetorical figures such as apophasis (talking about something by claiming not to mention it) and metalepsis (the speaker’s self-reference to the act of speaking). While all these devices involve a level of negation, preterition specifically involves a deliberate and explicit refusal or omission following a brief introduction.
Syntax and Pragmatics
In English, preterition frequently employs modal verbs like will or shall followed by the negation not, as in “I will not discuss X.” The construction can also be more subtle, using passive voice or ellipsis. Pragmatically, the device signals the speaker’s control over the conversational agenda and can produce a subtle effect of authority or secrecy.
Cross-Linguistic Manifestations
Other languages exhibit analogous devices. In Spanish, speakers may use the construction no voy a hablar de… (“I am not going to talk about…”) to signal preterition. In French, je ne vais pas parler de… serves a similar function. The rhetorical effect remains consistent across languages, underscoring the universality of the device in discourse regulation.
Rhetorical Functions
Irony and Subtext
Preterition can create irony by hinting at a topic without addressing it, thereby allowing the audience to infer the significance. The omission itself becomes a signal, generating a layered meaning that engages the audience’s interpretive faculties.
Deflection and Avoidance
When faced with potentially damaging or sensitive topics, speakers may use preterition to deflect. By announcing the refusal to discuss, they preempt direct confrontation while still acknowledging the subject’s existence.
Emphasis and Contrast
By explicitly stating that a subject will not be discussed, the speaker can simultaneously heighten the importance of the subsequent topic. The contrast underscores what the speaker wishes to foreground.
Audience Management
Preterition allows speakers to shape audience expectations. The initial mention primes the audience, while the deliberate withdrawal signals a shift in focus. This manipulation can be subtle yet powerful, guiding the emotional and cognitive reception of the speech.
Examples in Literature and Speech
Classical Orations
- Demosthenes, On the Crown – The speaker introduces a contentious issue about imperial ambitions, then notes, “I shall not discuss this matter any further.”
- Cicero, De Oratore – An explicit statement that certain political topics will be avoided to maintain decorum.
Renaissance Satire
- Erasmus, In Praise of Folly – Erasmus alludes to corrupt practices in the church, then declares, “I shall not dwell upon these deeds.”
Modern Political Speeches
- Barack Obama, 2008 Election Address – “I will not discuss the allegations about the donor list, but we must look at the larger issue.”
- Donald Trump, 2016 Campaign Rally – “We will not go into the specifics of the investigation, but I can assure you…”
Novelistic Dialogue
- F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby – Nick Carraway mentions Gatsby’s rumored business dealings but immediately states, “I don’t know the details.”
- George Orwell, 1984 – Winston speaks of the Party’s manipulation, yet explicitly refuses to elaborate on the underlying mechanisms.
Comparative Devices
Apophasis
While preterition involves a refusal or omission, apophasis is the deliberate mention of a topic while simultaneously claiming not to discuss it. Both devices play with the boundary between presence and absence in discourse.
Metalepsis
Metalepsis involves the speaker’s reference to their own act of speaking. In contrast, preterition focuses on the content of the speech rather than the speech act itself. However, the two can be combined in complex rhetorical strategies.
Understatement
Understatement downplays a subject, whereas preterition withdraws it altogether. In some cases, a speaker may first use preterition to remove a topic, then employ understatement to minimize another related issue.
Modern Usage and Criticism
Media Practices
In journalism, preterition can function as a form of self-censorship. By noting a potentially defamatory source and then refusing to provide details, reporters can protect themselves from legal liability while still conveying the existence of a story.
Political Accountability
Critics argue that frequent use of preterition by politicians undermines transparency. When high-ranking officials routinely refuse to discuss contentious matters, public trust can erode. Conversely, some scholars suggest that preterition can be a strategic tool to navigate complex political terrains without compromising core principles.
Linguistic and Discourse Analysis
Studies in sociolinguistics examine how preterition signals power dynamics. The ability to “pre-empt” a topic and refuse to discuss it often correlates with institutional authority. Researchers also analyze how audiences interpret these devices in real-time, noting variations across cultural contexts.
Conclusion
Preterition remains a potent rhetorical device, enabling speakers and writers to regulate discourse, manipulate audience expectations, and navigate sensitive topics. Its historical roots in classical rhetoric and its contemporary applications in politics, media, and literature underscore its enduring relevance. The device’s versatility lies in its capacity to create irony, deflection, emphasis, and audience management, all while maintaining a surface-level neutrality that masks deeper strategic intentions.
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