Day: April 17, 2023

Antithesis

Etymology of Antithesis

The word “antithesis” comes from the Greek word “antithesis” (αντίθεσις), which is a combination of two words: “anti” (αντί) meaning “against” or “opposite”, and “thesis” (θέσις) meaning “position” or “statement”. Thus, the literal meaning of antithesis in Greek is “opposition” or “contradiction of position”.

The term was later adopted into Latin as “antithesis”, which has the same meaning as the Greek word. In rhetoric and literary analysis, the term “antithesis” refers to the use of contrasting or opposite ideas or phrases in close proximity to one another for effect or emphasis. It is a technique that has been used in literature, speeches, and other forms of communication throughout history to create a powerful and memorable effect on the listener or reader.

Meanings of Antithesis

The literal meanings of the word, antithesis, refer to a contrast or opposition between two things, often used to create a powerful effect in writing or speech. In rhetorical and literary analysis, antithesis refers to the use of contrasting ideas, words, or phrases in close proximity to one another, creating a deliberate contrast or tension between them. This technique has been used throughout history to create emphasis, to highlight differences, or to provoke thought and reflection.

Antithesis in Grammar

Grammatically, antithesis is a noun with plural form “antitheses” which takes a plural verb. For example: “The antitheses of love and hate are often explored in literature.”

Definition of Antithesis as Literary Device

Antithesis is a literary device that involves the use of contrasting concepts, words, or sentences within parallel grammatical structures. The purpose of antithesis is to create a contrast between two ideas, emphasize their differences, and create a memorable and impactful statement. It is a common rhetorical device used in literature, poetry, and speeches.

Types of Antitheses

There are several types of antitheses, each of which is used to contrast different ideas or concepts. Here are some of the common types of antitheses:

  1. Direct antithesis: This is the most common type of antithesis, which involves the use of contrasting words or phrases in a parallel grammatical structure. For example, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”
  2. Antithesis through negation: This type of antithesis involves the use of contrasting words or phrases through negation, such as “Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more.”
  3. Antithesis through chiasmus: This type of antithesis involves the use of a reversed parallelism, such as “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”
  4. Antithesis through juxtaposition: This type of antithesis involves the use of contrasting ideas or images placed side by side, such as “It was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness.”
  5. Antithesis through oxymoron: This type of antithesis involves the use of two contradictory words or ideas within a single phrase, such as “sweet sorrow” or “living death.”
  6. Antithesis through metaphor: This type of antithesis involves the use of two opposing metaphors to create contrast, such as “She is a rose, but with thorns.”
  7. Antithesis through allusion: This type of antithesis involves the use of a reference to another literary or historical work or event to create contrast, such as “The world is too much with us; late and soon, getting and spending, we lay waste our powers.”
  8. Antithesis through repetition: This type of antithesis involves the use of repeating words or phrases to create contrast, such as “To err is human, to forgive divine.”
  9. Antithesis through paradox: This type of antithesis involves the use of a seemingly contradictory statement to create contrast, such as “Less is more.”
Common Examples of Antithesis

Here are some common examples of antithesis in literature and speeches:

  1. “To be or not to be, that is the question” – William Shakespeare, Hamlet
  2. “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” – Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities
  3. “Love is an ideal thing, marriage a real thing” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
  4. “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” – Neil Armstrong
  5. “Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice” – William Shakespeare, Hamlet
  6. “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools” – Martin Luther King Jr.
Shakespearean Antithesis

Here are some examples of Shakespearean antithesis:

  1. “Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more” – Julius Caesar
  2. “To be, or not to be, that is the question” – Hamlet
  3. “Fair is foul and foul is fair” – Macbeth
  4. “Parting is such sweet sorrow” – Romeo and Juliet
  5. “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players” – As You Like It
Literary Examples of Antithesis

Here are a few examples of antithesis in literature with an explanation of their context:

  1. “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” – Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities

This line from A Tale of Two Cities contrasts two opposing ideas: the best of times and the worst of times. The novel is set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, a time of great upheaval and chaos. The antithesis in this sentence emphasizes the stark contrast between the two extremes and highlights the uncertainty and unpredictability of the time.

  1. “It was beauty killed the beast” – Merian C. Cooper, King Kong

In the 1933 film King Kong, this line is spoken by the character Carl Denham after the titular character falls to his death from the top of the Empire State Building. The antithesis in this line contrasts the beauty of Ann Darrow, King Kong’s love interest, with the violence and destruction he causes in his pursuit of her. The line suggests that it is not Kong’s violence that led to his demise, but rather his love for Ann, which ultimately proved fatal.

  1. “Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven” – John Milton, Paradise Lost

This line is spoken by Satan in Milton’s epic poem Paradise Lost. The antithesis in this line contrasts the concepts of reigning in Hell and serving in Heaven, emphasizing the pride and rebellion of Satan’s character. The line also suggests that Satan would rather choose his own path, even if it leads to Hell, than submit to a higher power.

How to Create Antithesis

Here are a few steps you can follow to create antithesis:

  1. Identify the key elements to be contrasted: To create an antithesis, you need to identify the key elements that you want to contrast. This could be ideas, words, phrases, or even entire sentences.
  2. Choose contrasting words or phrases: Once you have identified the key elements to be contrasted, choose words or phrases that have opposite meanings or connotations. For example, “love” and “hate”, “light” and “darkness”, “good” and “evil”, etc.
  3. Use parallel structure: To create a strong and effective antithesis, use parallel structure. This means that the two contrasting elements should be structured in a similar way, using the same grammatical structure, word order, or sentence pattern.
  4. Play with sound and rhythm: Another way to create an effective antithesis is to play with the sound and rhythm of the contrasting words or phrases. For example, you could use alliteration, where the initial sounds of the words are the same (e.g. “sweet sorrow”), or use a rhythmic pattern to emphasize the contrast.
  5. Consider the context and purpose: Finally, when creating an antithesis, it is important to consider the context and purpose. The contrast should be relevant and meaningful to the topic or theme, and should serve a purpose, such as to create emphasis, to highlight differences, or to provoke thought and reflection.

Remember, antithesis is a powerful tool, but it should be used judiciously. Too much contrast can be overwhelming or confusing for readers, so it’s important to use it sparingly and in service of the overall message of your work

Benefits of Using Antithesis

There are several benefits to using antithesis in your writing:

  1. Creates Contrast: Antithesis creates a clear contrast between two ideas, which can help to clarify your point and emphasize the importance of the ideas you are presenting.
  2. Adds Emphasis: By highlighting opposing ideas, antithesis can add emphasis and power to your writing, making it more memorable and persuasive.
  3. Improves Clarity: Antithesis can help to clarify complex ideas by breaking them down into simpler, contrasting concepts. This can make your writing more accessible and easier to understand.
  4. Adds Variety: Antithesis can add variety and interest to your writing, helping to engage readers and keep them interested in what you have to say.
  5. Demonstrates Skill: Using antithesis effectively demonstrates your skill as a writer, showing that you are able to use rhetorical devices to enhance your writing and communicate your ideas more effectively.
Literary Device of Antithesis in Literary Theory

In literary theory, the device of antithesis has been studied and analyzed in different ways, depending on the approach and framework of the theory. Here are some examples:

  1. Formalism: Formalist literary theory focuses on the formal elements of literature, such as structure, style, and language. Formalists analyze the use of antithesis as a way to create tension and balance in a literary work. They examine how antithesis can be used to create parallelism, repetition, and contrast in a work, and how it can contribute to the overall effect of the work.
  2. Structuralism: Structuralist literary theory emphasizes the role of language and structure in shaping meaning. Structuralists analyze the use of antithesis as a way to create binary oppositions that structure meaning in a work. They examine how antithesis can be used to create a hierarchy of meaning in a work, and how it can contribute to the overall structure and coherence of the work.
  3. Post-Structuralism: Post-structuralist literary theory challenges the idea that meaning is stable and fixed, and instead emphasizes the fluidity and multiplicity of meaning. Post-structuralists analyze the use of antithesis as a way to create ambiguity and indeterminacy in a work. They examine how antithesis can be used to deconstruct binary oppositions and challenge traditional concepts of meaning and identity.
  4. Reader-Response Criticism: Reader-response literary theory focuses on the role of the reader in shaping meaning in a literary work. Reader-response critics analyze the use of antithesis as a way to engage the reader and create a dialogic relationship between the reader and the text. They examine how antithesis can be used to create multiple meanings and interpretations, and how it can contribute to the overall impact of the work on the reader.

Suggested Readings

Cuddon, John Anthony. A Dictionary of Literary Terms and Literary Theory. John Wiley & Sons, 2012.

Krašovec, Jože. “Introduction: The Definition of Antithesis in Literature and its Place in the Hebrew Bible.” Antithetic Structure in Biblical Hebrew Poetry. Brill, 1984. 1-18. Ruzibaeva, Nigora. “Peculiarities Of The Antithesis In The Literary Text.” European Journal of Research and Reflection in Educational Sciences Vol 7.11 (2019).

Cliché

Etymology and Meanings of Cliché

The word “cliché” originally comes from the French language, where it means “stereotype” or “printing plate.” It has been likely derived from the sound made by a printing plate when it is pressed onto paper.

The term was first used in English in the mid-19th century, and initially referred to a stereotype or electrotype printing plate used to produce multiple copies of the same image or text.

Over time, “cliché” came to be used metaphorically to refer to any overused or unoriginal phrase or idea. Today, the term is commonly used to describe a trite or predictable phrase or expression that lacks originality or creativity.

Meanings of Cliche
  • The literal meaning of “cliché” is “printing plate” or “stereotype” in French. In the context of printing, a cliché is a plate made from a mold, used to reproduce an image or text multiple times. The term “stereotype” is related, as it originally referred to a metal printing plate that had been cast from a mold, and could be used to print the same text over and over again without any variations.
  • The metaphorical meaning of “cliché” refers to a phrase, expression, or idea that has become so overused that it has lost its original impact or meaning. This usage likely originated from the idea that a printing plate or stereotype would be used so frequently that it would wear down or become dull, producing inferior copies of the original. The metaphorical use of “cliché” implies that the idea or expression in question is no longer fresh or original, but has become tired and unoriginal due to repeated use
Cliché in Grammar

Grammatically, “cliche” is a singular noun, and its plural form is “cliches”. The verb that agrees with “cliche” depends on the context of the sentence. For example:

  • “The cliche is overused.” (singular subject, singular verb)
  • “The cliches are overused.” (plural subject, plural verb)

In both cases, the verb agrees with the subject of the sentence, whether it is singular or plural.

Definition of Literary Device of Cliché

A literary device, a cliché is an overused expression or idea that has become so common it has lost its impact or originality. It is a phrase, concept or idea that has been used so frequently that it has become predictable or trite. Clichés are often avoided in literature, as they can detract from the originality and effectiveness of a writer’s work.

Types of Clichés

There are several types of clichés, including:

  1. Language clichés: These are phrases or expressions that have become overused in a particular language or culture, such as “time heals all wounds,” “actions speak louder than words,” or “you only live once.”
  2. Character clichés: These are stereotypes of characters that are used repeatedly in literature or film, such as the “damsel in distress,” the “wise old mentor,” or the “villain with a British accent.”
  3. Plot clichés: These are predictable or formulaic storylines that are used repeatedly in literature or film, such as the “underdog overcoming the odds,” the “quest for a magical object,” or the “love triangle.”
  4. Genre clichés: These are overused themes or elements that are associated with a particular genre of literature or film, such as the “haunted house” in horror, the “unlikely romance” in romantic comedies, or the “chosen one” in fantasy.
  5. Setting clichés: These are common or overused settings in literature or film, such as the “small town with a dark secret,” the “dystopian society,” or the “magical realm.”
  6. Dialogue clichés: These are common or overused lines of dialogue in literature or film, such as “we’re not so different, you and I,” “it’s not what it looks like,” or “we have to work together to stop them.”
  7. Visual clichés: These are overused visual elements in film or television, such as the “slow-motion action scene,” the “zoom-in on a character’s face for dramatic effect,” or the “explosion in the background as the hero walks away.”
  8. Sound clichés: These are overused sound effects or musical cues in film or television, such as the “record scratch to indicate a sudden change in mood,” the “dramatic sting to underscore a shocking reveal,” or the “heroic fanfare to accompany the protagonist’s triumph.”
  9. Characterization clichés: These are overused character traits or descriptions that are used to quickly establish a character, such as the “stoic, brooding hero,” the “perky, bubbly best friend,” or the “cold, calculating villain.”
  10. Plot device clichés: These are overused plot devices or twists that have become predictable or formulaic, such as the “dream sequence,” the “fake-out death,” or the “surprise twin sibling.”
  11. Narrative clichés: These are overused narrative techniques or structures that have become predictable or formulaic, such as the “flashback,” the “frame story,” or the “unreliable narrator.”
  12. Marketing clichés: These are overused marketing slogans or strategies that have become trite or ineffective, such as “new and improved,” “limited time offer,” or “act now before it’s too late.”
Common Examples of Cliché

Here are some common examples of clichés:

  1. “Time heals all wounds”
  2. “Every cloud has a silver lining”
  3. “Actions speak louder than words”
  4. “You can’t judge a book by its cover”
  5. “The grass is always greener on the other side”
  6. “Love conquers all”
  7. “All’s fair in love and war”
  8. “Better late than never”
  9. “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade”
  10. “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch”
  11. “There’s no place like home”
  12. “Rome wasn’t built in a day”
  13. “Easy come, easy go”
  14. “The early bird catches the worm”
  15. “You reap what you sow”
  16. “Behind every great man is a great woman”
  17. “Life is a journey, not a destination”
  18. “Ignorance is bliss”
  19. “Laughter is the best medicine”
  20. “Money can’t buy happiness”
Shakespearean Cliché

There are several phrases and expressions that Shakespeare used in his plays that have become clichés over time. Here are a few examples:

  1. “To be or not to be, that is the question” (Hamlet)
  2. “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players” (As You Like It)
  3. “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet” (Romeo and Juliet)
  4. “Brevity is the soul of wit” (Hamlet)
  5. “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet” (Romeo and Juliet)
  6. “The course of true love never did run smooth” (A Midsummer Night’s Dream)
  7. “Fair is foul, and foul is fair” (Macbeth)
  8. “Out, damned spot! Out, I say!” (Macbeth)
  9. “Parting is such sweet sorrow” (Romeo and Juliet)
  10. “The lady doth protest too much, methinks” (Hamlet)
Examples of Cliché from Literature
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Extract: “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view … until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”

Explanation: This quote from “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee is spoken by the character Atticus Finch, and is often cited as a poignant statement about the importance of empathy and understanding others’ perspectives. It reminds us that we can never truly know someone else’s experience until we take the time to listen and try to see things from their point of view.

From 1984 by George Orwell

Extract: “Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four. If that is granted, all else follows.”

Explanation: This quote from “1984” by George Orwell is a statement about the importance of freedom of thought and expression. It suggests that if we are not even allowed to express basic mathematical truths, then we are truly living in a world without freedom. It highlights the idea that a society cannot truly be free if its citizens are not allowed to think or express themselves freely.

From Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Extract: “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”

Explanation: This quote from “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen is the famous opening line of the novel. It is often cited as an example of Austen’s wit and social commentary. The quote pokes fun at the societal norms of the time, where marriage was often seen as a way for women to secure financial stability and for men to gain social status. It sets the tone for the novel and establishes the theme of marriage and social class that runs throughout the story.

From The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Extract: “So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”

Explanation: This quote from “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald is the final sentence of the novel. It is often cited as a commentary on the human condition and the idea that we are always striving for something just out of reach. The metaphor of boats against the current suggests that we are constantly struggling against the forces of the past and our own limitations. The use of the word “ceaselessly” emphasizes the idea that this struggle is endless and never truly resolved.

From The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Extract: “Don’t ever tell anybody anything. If you do, you start missing everybody.”

Explanation: This quote from “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger is spoken by the protagonist Holden Caulfield. It reflects his disillusionment with the world and his fear of intimacy and connection with others. The quote suggests that by sharing ourselves with others, we become vulnerable to their judgment and rejection, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and disconnection. It is a poignant reminder of the importance of human connection and the risks and rewards that come with vulnerability.

Writing and Using a Cliché

While it’s generally best to avoid using clichés in your writing, sometimes they can be an effective way to convey a familiar idea or concept quickly and efficiently. If you do decide to use clichés in your writing, here are some steps to keep in mind:

  1. Choose clichés that are relevant to your audience: Before you start writing, think about the audience you are writing for and what clichés might resonate with them. For example, if you’re writing a marketing email targeting millennials, you might use clichés like “out of the box” or “game changer.”
  2. Use clichés sparingly: While clichés can be effective in certain situations, using them too often can make your writing sound trite and unoriginal. Try to limit your use of clichés and only use them when they add value to your writing.
  3. Use clichés in a creative way: One way to make clichés feel fresh and interesting is to use them in unexpected ways. For example, instead of using the cliché “time is money” in a straightforward way, you could write “Time is the currency of life, and spending it wisely is the key to success.”
  4. Modify clichés to make them your own: Another way to make clichés feel more original is to modify them in some way. For example, instead of using the cliché “diamond in the rough,” you could write “gemstone in the gravel.”
  5. Use clichés with intention: When using clichés in your writing, be intentional about what you are trying to communicate. Ask yourself why you are using a particular cliché and what message you are trying to convey to your audience.
Benefits of Using Cliché

While it’s generally recommended to avoid clichés in your writing, there are some potential benefits to using them in certain situations. Here are a few examples:

  1. Familiarity: Clichés are often familiar to readers, which can make them easy to understand and relate to. In some cases, using a cliché can help to establish a common ground between the writer and the reader, making it easier for the reader to engage with the text.
  2. Economy of language: Clichés are often short and to the point, which can make them a useful tool for writers who want to convey a message quickly and efficiently. By using a familiar phrase or expression, writers can save time and space that might otherwise be used to explain a concept in more detail.
  3. Tone: In some cases, using a cliché can help to establish a particular tone or mood in the writing. For example, using a clichéd phrase like “once upon a time” can help to create a sense of nostalgia or fantasy in the reader’s mind.
  4. Satire and parody: Clichés are often used in satire and parody to poke fun at the conventions and expectations of a particular genre or style of writing. In these cases, the use of cliché can be deliberate and strategic, and can help to highlight the absurdity or predictability of a particular situation.

However, it’s important to note that these benefits are often outweighed by the negative effects of using clichés in your writing. Clichés can make your writing seem unoriginal, predictable, and lacking in creativity. It’s generally recommended to use fresh, original language and imagery to engage your readers and make your writing stand out.

Literary Device of Cliché in Literary Theory

The literary device of cliché is viewed differently in different literary theories. Here are a few examples:

  1. Formalism: In the formalist approach to literature, clichés are often seen as a negative element of writing. Formalists believe that literature should be evaluated on its own merits, without regard for outside factors like historical context or authorial intention. Because clichés are seen as overused and lacking in originality, they are generally viewed as a flaw in the writing.
  2. Structuralism: In the structuralist approach to literature, clichés are often seen as an example of the cultural codes and conventions that shape our understanding of the world. Structuralists believe that language and culture are interconnected, and that certain phrases and expressions become clichéd because they are deeply ingrained in our cultural consciousness. Therefore, clichés can be seen as a way of revealing the underlying structures and codes that govern our understanding of the world.
  3. Postmodernism: In the postmodern approach to literature, clichés are often seen as a tool for subverting or deconstructing traditional literary forms and conventions. Postmodernists believe that there is no objective reality or universal truth, and that all meaning is constructed through language and cultural codes. By using clichés in unexpected or unconventional ways, postmodern writers can challenge and disrupt our assumptions about language and meaning.
  4. Feminist theory: In feminist literary theory, clichés are often seen as a way of reinforcing gender stereotypes and perpetuating patriarchal values. Feminist critics argue that many clichés are rooted in sexist or misogynistic attitudes, and that they contribute to a culture that devalues women’s experiences and perspectives. Therefore, feminist writers often seek to subvert or challenge clichés in their writing, in order to create more nuanced and authentic representations of gender and identity.
Suggested Readings

Barthes, Roland. Mythologies. Translated by Annette Lavers, Hill and Wang, 1972.

Foster, Thomas C. How to Read Literature Like a Professor: A Lively and Entertaining Guide to Reading Between the Lines. Harper Perennial, 2003.

Gibaldi, Joseph. MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. 7th ed., Modern Language Association of America, 2009. Skorczewski, Dawn. “Everybody Has Their Own Ideas”: Responding to Cliché in Student Writing.” College Composition and Communication (2000): 220-239.