Antithesis
Antithesis is a rhetorical device used to create a contrast or opposition between two ideas, phrases, sentences, or concepts within a sentence or a larger piece of writing. It often involves the juxtaposition of contrasting ideas in parallel structures to highlight the differences between them, draw attention to a specific point, or create a more vivid or memorable expression.
Example from Literature:
"To err is human, to forgive divine." — Alexander Pope
In this famous line, Pope contrasts human fallibility ("to err") with the divine quality of forgiveness ("to forgive").
Example from Politics:
"Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country." — John F. Kennedy
Kennedy juxtaposes the idea of individual benefit ("what your country can do for you") with civic duty ("what you can do for your country").
Example from Speeches:
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness..." — Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities
Dickens contrasts opposing states ("the best of times" vs. "the worst of times," "the age of wisdom" vs. "the age of foolishness") to set the tone for his novel.
Example from Advertising:
"You're not just buying a car; you're buying a piece of American engineering excellence."
Here, the advertisement contrasts the mere act of purchasing a car with the idea of investing in American craftsmanship and quality.
Example from Speech:
"We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools." — Martin Luther King Jr.
King contrasts the positive outcome of unity ("live together as brothers") with the negative consequence of disunity ("perish together as fools").