Antithesis

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Antithesis
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Defined

• An antithesis is an exact opposite.
• In rhetoric, an antithesis is two sharply
  contrasting ideas balanced across a sentence or
  (neighboring sentences).
• A use of words or phrases that contrast with each
  other to create a balanced effect.

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Examples

• Man proposes, God disposes.
• Many are called, but few are chosen.
• It was the best of times, it was the worst of
  times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age
  of foolishness. .

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Which words are antithetical?

1. My only love sprung from my only hate.
2. Serenity now insanity later.
3. That's one small step for a man one giant leap
   for mankind.
4. Give me liberty or give me death.

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Rhetorical Use

• Antithesis forces a comparison and opens the
  audience to a make a judgment.