Antithesis is a rhetorical device that involves the juxtaposition of contrasting ideas, words, or phrases within a parallel grammatical structure. It is often used to create a sense of balance, emphasize differences, or highlight opposition between two contrasting elements.
Here are some examples of antithesis:
1. "To be or not to be, that is the question."
In this famous line from William Shakespeare's "Hamlet," the antithesis of "to be" and "not to be" is used to highlight the central question of existence.
2. "Many are called, but few are chosen."
This biblical phrase from the Gospel of Matthew contrasts the large number of those who are called with the small number of those who are chosen.
3. "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."
This famous opening line from Charles Dickens' "A Tale of Two Cities" juxtaposes the contrasting conditions in Paris and London during the French Revolution.
4. "Love is an ideal thing, marriage a real thing."
In this quote by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the antithesis between "love" and "marriage" underscores the difference between the romantic ideal and the practical reality.
5. "Give me liberty or give me death."
Patrick Henry's famous speech employs the antithesis of "liberty" and "death" to emphasize the extreme lengths to which he is willing to go for freedom.
6. "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee."
Muhammad Ali used this antithesis to describe his boxing style, emphasizing the contrast between graceful movement ("float") and powerful strikes ("sting").
7. "Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more."
In Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar," Brutus uses this antithesis to explain why he participated in the assassination of Caesar.
8. "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."
Missionary Jim Elliot's words illustrate the antithesis between "keep" and "lose" to emphasize the eternal significance of his actions.
9. "We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools."
Martin Luther King Jr. employed this antithesis to highlight the choice between unity ("live together as brothers") and division ("perish together as fools").
10. "Not that I condone fascism, or any -ism for that matter."
Woody Allen's humorous use of antithesis contrasts "condone" with "any -ism," suggesting his disapproval of all ideologies.
Antithesis is a powerful literary and rhetorical device that can create emphasis, balance, and vivid contrast in a sentence or passage. It is commonly used in speeches, literature, and persuasive writing to make a point more impactful and memorable.