Final answer:
A hortative sentence encourages or calls to action, often found in rhetorical writing and speeches. It differs from imperative sentences by being less direct and more encouraging. Syntax and sentence structure variation, including antimetabole within a hortative sentence, are key to conveying a text's emotional and motivational subtexts.
Step-by-step explanation:
A hortative sentence is a type of sentence that is used to encourage, advise, or call to action the audience. It is similar to an imperative sentence but is usually less direct and expresses encouragement rather than a command. Hortative sentences are a stylistic device often found in rhetorical writing and speeches, aiming to inspire or motivate listeners to particular behaviors or actions.
An example of a hortative sentence that includes the rhetorical device of antimetabole (where words are repeated in successive clauses, in reverse order) could be: "Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country." This famous quote from John F. Kennedy utilizes antimetabole to drive its message home effectively.
Variations in syntax and sentence structure, such as the use of hortative sentences or periodic sentences, contribute to the narrative voice and can greatly affect the mood, tone, and overall message of a text. Through manipulation of syntax, writers convey not just literal meanings but also emotional, motivational, or suggestive subtexts to their audiences. This is particularly impactful in rhetorical contexts, where the objective is often to persuade or inspire.