Antistrophe

Definition of Antistrophe
Antistrophe is a derivative of a Greek word that means “turning returned.” It is a rhetorical device that entails the repetition of the identical phrases at the cease of consecutive phrases, clauses, sentences, and paragraphs. Like within the following excerpt, the phrase “however it isn't always this day” comes time and again at the cease:

“A day may additionally come when the courage of guys fails, when we forsake our buddies and break all bonds of fellowship. But it is not this day. An hour of wolves and shattered shields, whilst the age of fellows comes crashing down! But it isn't this day! This day we combat! “

(The Return of the King, by using J. R. R. Tolkien)

Similarity with Epistrophe
Antistrophe is much like epistrophe, which also includes the repetition of phrases at the ends of successive clauses or sentences. However, it is contrary to anaphora, which is a repetition of words at the beginning of sentences or clauses.

Examples of Antistrophe in Literature
Example #1: The Holy Bible, 1 Corinthians 13:11 (By the Apostle Paul)
“When I changed into a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I concept as a child; however while I became a man, I positioned away infantile things…”

This excerpt is one of the examples of antistrophe observed inside the Holy Bible. The phrase “as a child” is repeated several instances on the ends of phrases. This creates rhythm in the literary piece.

Example #2: The Soul of Man and Prison Writings (By Oscar Wilde)
“Selfishness isn't always dwelling as one desires to live. It is asking others to live as one desires to stay …”

In this example, the recurring phrase “as one wishes to stay” creates rhythm and cadence inside the text, and for this reason appeals to the readers’ emotions.

Example #3: The Grapes of Wrath (By John Steinbeck)
“Then I’ll be all aroun’ in the dark. I’ll be ever’where – anywhere you look. Wherever they’s a combat so hungry humans can eat, I’ll be there. Wherever they’s a cop beatin’ up a guy, I’ll be there … An’ while our folk eat the stuff they improve an’ live in the homes they build – why, I’ll be there …”

The repeated use of “I’ll be there” lays emphasis and draws the eye of readers to the phrase.

Example #4: The Tempest (By William Shakespeare)
“Hourly joys be nevertheless upon you! Juno sings her advantages on you … Scarcity and need shall shun you, Ceres’ blessing so is on you …”

Shakespeare has used this tool frequently in his works, which can be noticed definitely here as well.

Example #5: The Holy Bible, Deuteronomy 32:10 (By the prophet Moses)
“In a desolate tract land he located him, in a barren and howling waste. He shielded him and cared for him; he guarded him because the apple of his eye …”

Again, in this example from the Bible, a phrase is repeated on the quit of the sentences to create a pattern and emphasize it.

Example #6: Gift from the Sea (By Anne Morrow Lindbergh)
“Perhaps that is the most essential aspect for me to take again from beach-dwelling: certainly the memory that every cycle of the tide is valid, every cycle of the wave is valid, every cycle of a dating is valid … Relationships ought to be like islands, one ought to accept them for what they're right here and now, inside their limits – islands, surrounded and interrupted through the sea …”

Antistrophe examples just like the above excerpt draw readers to recognition on the repeated words and their meanings.

Function of Antistrophe
The main feature of this rhetorical tool is to area emphasis on a selected notion or idea. The repetition of phrases facilitates in making the text pleasing to read. Besides poetry, this is a rhetorical device determined in a variety of works, such as music, literature, political speeches, and sacred texts just like the Bible to highlight a factor or idea. The pattern and rhythm created with the usage of antistrophe enables writers to attraction to readers’ emotions, and facilitates them admire a text better.

Antiphrasis Antithesis