Antithesis is a powerful rhetorical figure of speech where one word or idea is set against another word or idea opposite to it in a balanced form in order to make the contrast emphatic, effective, and dramatic. This figure is used both in literature and in non-literary articles or essays to enhance sentence structure and syntax.
What Is Antithesis and How Does It Work?
In Antithesis, contrasting concepts are placed side by side to highlight differences. Here are some examples. In each case, observe the difference between the statement(s) marked (a) and the one(s) marked (b). Also try to understand why the statements marked (b) are more effective.
1.
(a) Heard melodies are sweet.
(b) "Heard melodies are sweet, but those unheard are sweater."
2.
(a) You should look at the bad sides of your son's conduct.
(b) You should look not only at the good sides but also at the bad sides of your son's conduct.
3.
(a) If we are divided, we fall.
(b) "United we stand, divided we fall."
4.
(a) Try to be a big fish in a small pond.
(b) You had better be a big fish in a small pond than be a small fish in a big pond.
5.
(a) You are my enemy.
(b) You are my enemy, not friend.
6.
(a) It's better.
(b) It's not just good, it's better.
7.
(a) I don't want to be the leader of bad people.
(b) Better be a follower of a good leader than be the leader of bad people.
How to Use Antithesis Effectively in Writing
But one thing you must remember: use this device only where it's necessary and where it makes sense. That means, before using this device, make sure whether it's needed at all or not. In most of the cases where both sides of an idea are relevant but only one is to be focused should you use this figure. The following example will clarify the point.
Rewrite the following passage and make the expressions more emphatic and effective.
Some people believe that those who are not honest suffer much in the long run. It is not always true.
The opposite is true: The honest suffer in most of the cases. The dishonest become happy. We live in a peculiar society where the dishonest live the happiest life.
Now read the revised version of the passage. Here it is.
Though some people belive that those who are not honest suffer much in the long run, it is not always true. On the contrary, the opposite is true that is, it is the hones who suffer in most of the cases, not the dishonest. The dishonest, to our great surprise, are very happy indeed. We live in a peculiar society. Here the dishonest live the happiest life, not the honest.
Rhetorical Ways of Focusing, Emphasizing, and Creating Dramatic Effects
There are some rhetorical devices by which we can focus or highlight an idea very effectively, and sometimes dramatically. These devices, in effect, act as emphasizers too. They are very often used for their dramatic effect. Here are the figures:
Antithesis
Oxymoron
Paradox
Anti-Climax or Bathos
Chiasmus
Hyperbaton
Epigram
Climax
Polysyndeton
Key Takeaways
- Antithesis sets one word or idea against another opposite word or idea in a balanced form.
- It makes contrasts emphatic, effective, and dramatic in literature and non-literary articles.
- You should use this device only where it is necessary, makes sense, and where both sides of an idea are relevant.
Quick Practice
Try rewriting a simple sentence using contrasting ideas to make it more emphatic. Write your answers in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Antithesis in grammar and literature?
Antithesis is a rhetorical figure where one word or idea is set against another word or idea opposite to it in a balanced form to make the contrast emphatic, effective, and dramatic.
When should you use Antithesis?
You should use this device only where it's necessary and where it makes sense, typically in cases where both sides of an idea are relevant but only one is to be focused.