Rhetorical terms · AP English Language, SAT Reading and Writing, ACT Reading
Antithesis
Antithesis: Placing contrasting ideas side by side in parallel structure to sharpen the contrast.
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What it means
Antithesis pairs opposites in balanced phrases, so the structure makes the contrast stand out. It is a favorite device of speeches because it makes ideas crisp and memorable.
Juxtaposition, a related device, places contrasting things near each other and does not require parallel structure.
Example
'The plan was cheap to propose and costly to ignore' sets two judgments against each other in matching form, making the speaker's point clear.
On the exam
Explain what the contrast clarifies about the writer's position.
Lessons and practice questions
Related terms
- ParallelismUsing the same grammatical structure for related ideas in a sentence or series, for balance and clarity.
- JuxtapositionPlacing two ideas, images or details close together to highlight a contrast or an unexpected connection.
- AnaphoraThe repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses, sentences or lines.