Antistrophe: A Literary Device

Etymology of Antistrophe

The term “antistrophe” has its origins in ancient Greek, specifically from the word “ἀντιστροφή” (antistrophē), where “ἀντί” (anti) denotes “opposite” or “counter,” and “στροφή” (strophē) signifies “turn” or “twist.”

In ancient Greek literature and drama, an antistrophe referred to the second part of an ode or choral song, during which the chorus would move in an opposing direction or rhythm to the preceding strophe.

This etymological combination of “anti” and “strophe” underscores the contrasting and rhythmic nature of the antistrophe in ancient Greek poetic and dramatic performances.

Meaning of Antistrophe

• Antistrophe Definition: Antistrophe refers to a structural element in ancient Greek poetry and drama.
• Choral Song Component: It represents the second part of a choral ode or song.
• Opposite Movement: During the antistrophe, the chorus would typically move or respond in the opposite direction or rhythm to the preceding strophe.
• Rhythmic Contrast: The antistrophe’s contrasting movement and rhythm added depth and complexity to poetic and dramatic performances.
• Enhanced Emotion: This structural contrast heightened the emotional and thematic impact of the performance on the audience.
• Etymology: The word “antistrophe” is derived from the ancient Greek “ἀντιστροφή” (antistrophē), combining “ἀντί” (anti) for “opposite” and “στροφή” (strophē) for “turn” or “twist.”

Definition of Literary Device of Antistrophe

The literary device of antistrophe is a structural element found in ancient Greek poetry and drama. It refers to the second part of a choral ode or song, where the chorus responds in an opposing rhythm or direction to the preceding strophe. This rhythmic contrast serves to enhance the emotional and thematic impact of the performance on the audience.

Common Features of an Antistrophe

• Structural Component: It is a structured element within choral odes or songs.
• Chorus Response: It serves as the chorus’s response to the preceding strophe.
• Opposite Movement: Typically, the chorus moves or responds in an opposite direction or rhythm compared to the strophe.
• Rhythmic Contrast: The antistrophe provides rhythmic contrast to the strophe, creating a distinct poetic and dramatic effect.
• Enhanced Emotion: This structural contrast contributes to heightening the emotional and thematic impact of the performance on the audience.
• Traditional Usage: Antistrophes are a traditional feature in ancient Greek literature, particularly in the works of Greek playwrights like Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides.

Elements of Antistrophes

Elements	Explanation	Example
Strophic Antistrophe	This basic antistrophe involves the chorus repeating the same metrical pattern as the strophe but with different words, reinforcing or emphasizing the strophe’s thematic elements.	In a strophe, the chorus praises the beauty of nature, and in the antistrophe, it continues to extol nature’s wonders using the same rhythmic structure.
Circular Antistrophe	In this type, the chorus returns to its original position after moving oppositely during the strophe, often symbolizing cyclical or repeating themes in the text.	During the strophe, the chorus laments the passing of time, and in the antistrophe, it circles back to express hope for renewal and the eternal nature of life’s cycles.
Contrasting Antistrophe	The chorus responds to the strophe with contrasting themes, imagery, or emotions, creating tension and complexity, highlighting the duality of the subject matter.	In the strophe, the chorus celebrates the joy of love, while in the antistrophe, it explores the pain and sorrow that can accompany love’s intensity.
Chorus Split Antistrophes	In this form, the chorus is divided into multiple groups, each singing a different antistrophe, presenting multiple perspectives, conflicting emotions, or a chorus dialogue.	One group of the chorus expresses optimism in the antistrophe, while another group counters with skepticism, engaging in a lyrical debate within the composition.
Refrain Antistrophe	This antistrophe type employs a repeated refrain or line in both the strophe and antistrophe, establishing a rhythmic and thematic link between the two sections.	In the strophe, the chorus chants, “Sing, O Muse!” and in the antistrophe, it echoes with the same refrain, reinforcing the call for inspiration and unity in the composition.
Epode	While not strictly an antistrophe, the epode is a distinct section that follows the strophe and antistrophe, offering resolution, summary, or new perspectives on previous themes.	After both explore the joys and sorrows of life, the epode provides a reflective conclusion, emphasizing the fleeting nature of human existence.

Examples from Literature

1. Examples from Oedipus Rex by Sophocles:

Antistrophe 1

First on Athene I call; O Zeus-born goddess, defend!
Goddess and sister, befriend,
Artemis, Lady of Thebes, high-throned in the midst of our mart!
Lord of the death-winged dart!
Your threefold aid I crave
From death and ruin our city to save.
If in the days of old when we nigh had perished, ye drave
From our land the fiery plague, be near us now and defend us!

Antistrophe 2

Wasted thus by death on death
All our city perisheth.
Corpses spread infection round;
None to tend or mourn is found.
Wailing on the altar stair
Wives and grandams rend the air–
Long-drawn moans and piercing cries
Blent with prayers and litanies.
Golden child of Zeus, O hear
Let thine angel face appear!

2. Example from The Bacchae by Euripides:

Antistorphe                                    

Who’s in the street? Who’s there? Who?
Let him stay inside
out of our way.
Let every mouth be pure,                                                                  
completely holy,
speak no profanities.
In my hymn I celebrate
our old eternal custom,
hailing Dionysus.

Future of Antistrophe in Literature and Theory

1. Evolving Interpretations: Antistrophe in literary theory continues to undergo evolving interpretations and applications in the study of ancient Greek drama.
2. Comparative Analysis: Antistrophes remain a key element in comparative analyses of Greek and non-Greek literary traditions, helping scholars explore the unique features of Greek drama.
3. Postcolonial Perspectives: Antistrophes are being examined from postcolonial viewpoints to explore its implications in terms of power dynamics, representation, and cultural exchange.
4. Digital Humanities: Digital tools and computational methods are also being used to analyze the patterns and variations of antistrophes in ancient texts, offering new insights into its structural significance.
5. Cognitive Approaches: Cognitive literary theory explores how antistrophes, as recurring motifs, may tap into universal cognitive processes, shedding light on its emotional and rhetorical impact.
6. Pedagogical Relevance: Antistrophes continue to play a role in the teaching of classical literature, providing a framework for students to analyze and appreciate the nuances of Greek drama.
7. Adaptation and Performance Studies: In adaptation and performance studies, antistrophe remains a crucial element for directors and actors in understanding the rhythm and dynamics of Greek plays.
8. Contemporary Relevance: Scholars are examining how it themes of opposition, response, and balance resonate with contemporary literary and cultural contexts, making it a relevant concept in modern literary theory.

Suggested Readings

1. Euripides. Euripides, Volume IV: Trojan Women. Iphigenia among the Taurians. Ion. Edited and translated by David Kovacs, Harvard University Press, 2003.
2. Plato. Plato: Euthyphro, Apology, Crito. Edited and translated by G. M. A. Grube, Hackett Publishing Company, 2002.
3. Sophocles. Sophocles I: Antigone, Oedipus the King, Oedipus at Colonus. Edited and translated by David Grene and Richmond Lattimore, University of Chicago Press, 2013.
4. Sophocles. Sophocles II: Ajax, The Women of Trachis, Electra, Philoctetes. Edited and translated by David Grene and Richmond Lattimore, University of Chicago Press, 2013.