Won't you please do it means "Please do it"?

[Torsten]

Hi,

Is the following an outdated or rare construction or is it still commonly used? I'm referring to the "won't you please + verb" construction that is used to express a request:

"I like to see you enjoy yourselves; but won't you please rake all the leaves away from fire right now -- and you'll be careful to cover it with dirt, a lot of dirt, before you leave, won't you? And the next time you want to have some fun, won't you please build your fire over the hill there in the sandpit?"

Won't you please share your thoughts on this construction? How polite do you think is it? I mean, there a number of ways to express a request:

Would you please put out the fire?
Could you please put out the fire?
It would be great if you could put out the fire.
Please, put out the fire.
I'm sure you will put out the fire?

So, where does "Won't you please put out the fire?" fit rank on the politeness scale?

Thanks a lot,
Torsten
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[Mister Micawber]

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Hi Torsten,

Still very much in use, and usually by piqued parents uttering a third or fourth request. It is ranked low on the politeness scale (but fine enough among familiars), just above 'Rake all the leaves away from the fire right now!!'

In other situations than the one you have presented-- in offers rather than requests-- it is quite polite: 'Won't you please take a seat? The doctor will be with you in a moment.'
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