Aposiopesis

Aposiopesis (from Classical Greek, ἀποσιώπησις, "becoming silent") is the term for the deliberate failure to finish a sentence or thought, giving the impression that the speaker is unwilling or unable to continue. It is a classical rhetorical device, literary device, and figure of speech. It often portrays being overcome with passion (fear, anger, excitement) or modesty. The ellipsis or dash is used.

Related Topics:
Classical Greek - Rhetorical device - Literary device - Figure of speech - Passion - Modesty - Ellipsis - Dash

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The traditional example of aposiopesis comes from Virgil's Aeneid 1.135:

Related Topics:
Virgil - Aeneid

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:Quos ego—

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Meaning, in context, "Such rebels I—." This mirrors a more modern example, from Mark Twain's Tom Sawyer: "Well, I lay if I get ahold of you I'll–."

Related Topics:
Mark Twain - Tom Sawyer

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Another common example comes from William Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar, 3.2.104-107, in which Antony interrupts his own speech at Caesar's funeral:

Related Topics:
William Shakespeare - Julius Caesar - Antony - Caesar

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:O judgment! thou art fled to brutish beasts,

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:And men have lost their reason. Bear with me,

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:My heart is in the coffin there with Caesar,

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:And I must pause till it come back to me.

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