Rhetorical question

A question asked without expecting an answer, either because the answer is already implied or because what matters is the doubt it exposes.

In Demons

Why is it that all these desperate socialists and communists are at the same time incredible misers, hoarders, proprietors, and to such an extent that the more socialist, the farther they have gone, the stronger a proprietor they become...

"Why is it that" expects no answer: the conclusion is already built into the question. The interrogative form presents the contradiction as the astonishment of an old liberal, and not as an accusation.

Part One: The Father of the Demons, Stepan Trofimovich

But how can anyone be surprised that Stavrogin fought with Gaganov and did not answer the student? He could not challenge to a duel a former serf of his!

Part Two: The Waiting Town, Yulia Mikhailovna

If each of us knew of a political murder being prepared, would he go and denounce it, foreseeing all the consequences, or would he stay at home waiting for events?

Part Two: Shigalyov's System, Pyotr Stepanovich

Why live, then, answer me, if you are a man?

Part Three: The Last Decision, Kirillov

Is it possible that he would extinguish me and my joy and reduce us to zero? If there is a God, then I too am immortal! Voilà ma profession de foi.

Part Three: The Last Wandering, Stepan Trofimovich