Discussion for Literary Term: ANTITHESIS

ANTHITHESIS

Antithesis: The word derives from two Greek words (‘anti’ and ‘tithenai’). Anti means ‘against’ and tithenai means ‘to place’. It is a figure of speech containing contrast of ideas which are against each other, in grammatically parallel syntax for the sake of emphasis. In according to Scott, ‘‘The choice or arrangement of words to emphasize the contrast and give the effect of balance is antithesis”.

Some examples of antithesis with explanation are given below:

a)      Art is long, life is short.

Here two opposite ideas are set against each other ins a balanced form. They are ‘longevity of art’ and ‘impermanence of life’. To emphasize the first part of the sentence, the second part is set in a balanced form. So, this is an example of antithesis.

b)      Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven.

In this sentence, the two opposite ideas are set. One is ‘reigning in Hell’ and another one is ‘serving in Heaven’ are set against in a balanced form to emphasize the meaning impressively and forcefully. So, this is an example of antithesis.

c)      Give every man thine ear, but few thy voice.

Here two opposite ideas are set. One is lending of one’s ear to every man and another one is speaking one’s true thoughts only to a few. These two ideas are set against in a balanced form to emphasize the sentence and meaning. So, this is an example of antithesis.

d)      Marry in haste, repent at leisure.

Here two opposite ideas are set against each other in a balanced form. The two opposite ideas are ‘haste’ and ‘leisure’. Completely two different words are set to give the enforcement of the meaning. Here it indicates that doing anything in a hurry can be a cause of hamper in the long run. So, this is an example of antithesis.

e)      To err is human, to forgive is divine.

Here two opposite ideas are set against each other. One is ‘erring of human being’ and another one is ‘forgiving of divine’. Completely two different ideas are used where it means that doing error is the task of human and forgiving is the task of divine. Actually, to emphasize the first park, second part is set against in a balanced form. So, this is an example of antithesis.