Opposites attract—even in language and literature. If you’ve read sentences, discovered characters, or discussed ideas that are polar opposites, then you’re already well-versed with something called antithesis.
But it’s more than just a juxtaposition of ideas. Let’s take a look at how and why this device is used frequently in literature, rhetoric, and philosophy.
What is Antithesis?
Antithesis is the juxtaposition of two diametrically opposite or strongly contrasting elements contained within a parallel grammatical structure. It comes from the Greek word antitheton, meaning “opposition.”
Antithesis is not only used to emphasize the difference between two things but also to define them. Through contrast, you give an understanding of one concept by defining its opposite.
For example, consider this saying: “In peace you long for war, and in war you long for peace.” The two halves of the sentence not only mirror each other in structure but also establish war and peace as polar opposites. One cannot exist with the other.
Even characters can be an antithesis to one another. Batman and Joker highlight each other’s strengths, weaknesses, beliefs, and morals, and perspectives. In this, the good emphasizes the bad and vice versa.
Examples of Antithesis
From everyday conversation to famous speeches, antithesis is used in many different ways. Here are a few common examples:
In Conversations
- No pain, no gain.
- Go big or go home.
- A moment on the lips; a lifetime on the hips.
- Patience is bitter but it bears sweet fruit.
- Hope for the best; prepare for the worst.
- Speech is silver, but silence is gold.
- Keep your friends close; keep your enemies closer.
- Like father, like son.
- Out of sight, out of mind.
- Easy come, easy go.
In Famous Speeches
- Abraham Lincoln, The Gettysburg Address: “The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.”
- Patrick Henry, Second Virginia Convention: “give me liberty or give me death.”
- Martin Luther King Jr., Oberlin Commencement Address: “We must all learn to live together as brothers—or we will all perish together as fools.”
- Muhammed Ali: “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.”
In Literature
- A Tale of Two Cities: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness.”
- Paradise Lost: “Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven.”
- An Essay on Criticism: “To err is human, to forgive is divine,”
- Bible, Book of Matthew: “many are called but few are chosen.”
- Green Lantern: “In the brightest of days and in the blackest of nights.”
- The Way of the Bodhisattva: “All the joy the world contains has come through wanting happiness for others. All the misery the world contains has come through wanting pleasure for yourself.“
Related Terms
Antithesis shares many similarities with other figures of speech. Check them out below.
Juxtaposition
While juxtaposition is a device that encompasses two elements that are dissimilar, antithesis encompasses those that are not only dissimilar, but actual opposites.
This complication can be easily seen by how their respective elements are contrasted. Juxtaposition requires you to put dissimilar concepts side-by-side or close to each other, like so:
- Mountains and the sea
Antithesis does a similar function, but builds an entire statement around this contradiction—all within a parallel grammatical structure:
- Mighty as the mountains; formless as the sea. (Both clauses are: adjective-preposition-determiner-noun)
Oxymoron
Oxymoron is another kind of juxtaposition. Two words with seemingly opposite meanings are put together in one phrase to create superficial self-contradiction. It’s used to point out a paradox or reinforce a rhetorical point.
- Fiery ice
Antithesis, again, is set in its parallel structure. The juxtaposed elements appear in two independent clauses that mirror each other. Furthermore, they are separated by a comma, a colon, a semicolon, or a conjunction.
- Her words were fiery; her expression cold.
Use Antithesis in Your Writing
Contrast is a powerful thing because opposites have a way of sticking to memory. And because of its use of parallel structures, it has a rhythmic and lyrical pattern that makes it easier to express complicated concepts.
It adds weight to your words, making readers pause and ponder on what you mean. So it makes for not just interesting writing, but also memorable writing.
This allows you to highlight the key qualities of whatever you’re talking about. Used well, you’re able to control which emotions and images to imprint in your reader’s mind.
A good example is Neil Armstrong’s famous quote: “That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.” It establishes a stark difference between a step and a leap. Furthermore, the image of a person stepping into the moon almost always accompanies this quote.
It’s not just about the physical contrast between the two actions though. It also demonstrates the contradiction between someone’s ordinary footstep and Armstrong’s step that signified human progress. In this way, antithesis paints the picture of a concept.
Have you ever used antithesis in your writing? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
- What Are Euphemisms? How to Use Them in Everyday Speech
- Polyptoton: Definition, Examples, and Related Terms
- Metonymy: Definition and Examples
- How to Use Analogies in Writing: Tips and Examples for Drawing Comparisons
Cole is a blog writer and aspiring novelist. He has a degree in Communications and is an advocate of media and information literacy and responsible media practices. Aside from his interest in technology, crafts, and food, he’s also your typical science fiction and fantasy junkie, spending most of his free time reading through an ever-growing to-be-read list. It’s either that or procrastinating over actually writing his book. Wish him luck!
