Literary Term - Antistrophe

 

Literary Term

Antistrophe 

Definition of Antistrophe

Antistrophe is a literary and rhetorical term that refers to the repetition of words or phrases at the end of successive clauses, sentences, or verses. It is often used as a stylistic device in poetry, drama, and oratory to create emphasis, rhythm, and a sense of balance or symmetry.

The term "antistrophe" comes from the Greek word "antistrephein," which means "to turn back" or "to respond." In ancient Greek drama, antistrophe was employed as a structural element in choral odes. The chorus would sing a strophe, which was a stanza or section of a poem, and then respond with an antistrophe, which echoed or answered the previous section.

In poetry and prose, antistrophe can serve various purposes. It can reinforce an idea, create a rhythmic pattern, build suspense, or emphasize a point. By repeating words or phrases, antistrophe can draw attention to key concepts, highlight contrasts or similarities, or evoke a sense of resolution.

Here's an example of antistrophe in poetry:

"We live in deeds, not years; in thoughts, not breaths;

In feelings, not in figures on a dial.

We should count time by heart-throbs. He most lives

Who thinks most, feels the noblest, acts the best."

In this excerpt from "A Psalm of Life" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, the phrases "not years," "not breaths," and "not in figures on a dial" are repeated at the end of successive lines, creating an antistrophe. This repetition emphasizes the importance of inner experiences and actions over external measurements of time.

Overall, antistrophe is a literary technique that enhances the rhythm, structure, and meaning of a literary work by repeating words or phrases at the end of successive clauses or verses.

Similarity with Epistrophe

Epistrophe is a literary and rhetorical term that is closely related to antistrophe. While antistrophe involves the repetition of words or phrases at the end of successive clauses, sentences, or verses, epistrophe focuses on the repetition of words or phrases at the end of successive clauses or sentences.

Both antistrophe and epistrophe share the common goal of creating emphasis, rhythm, and structure in literary and rhetorical works. They both involve the repetition of words or phrases, but in slightly different positions within the text.

To better illustrate the difference, let's consider an example:

Antistrophe:

"We fight for justice, we fight for freedom, we fight for equality."

 

Epistrophe:

"Where now? Who now? When now?"

 

In the antistrophe example, the words "fight for" are repeated at the end of successive phrases. In the epistrophe example, the words "now" are repeated at the end of successive questions. Both techniques contribute to a rhythmic and emphatic effect, but the positioning of the repeated words differs.

Overall, while antistrophe focuses on the repetition of words or phrases at the end of successive clauses, sentences, or verses, epistrophe concentrates on the repetition of words or phrases at the end of successive clauses or sentences. Both techniques serve to enhance the structure and impact of a literary work.

Examples of Antistrophe in Literature

1

From William Shakespeare's play "Macbeth":

"Fair is foul, and foul is fair."

In this line, the words "fair" and "foul" are repeated at the end of successive clauses, creating an antistrophe. This repetition emphasizes the reversal of values and the theme of ambiguity that runs throughout the play.

 

2

From Emily Dickinson's poem "Hope is the thing with feathers":

"That perches in the soul,

And sings the tune without the words,

And never stops at all."

Here, the phrase "without the words" is repeated at the end of the second and third lines, creating an antistrophe. This repetition emphasizes the idea that hope transcends language and communicates through its presence and actions.

 

3

From Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech "I Have a Dream":

"And if America is to be a great nation,

This must become true.

And so let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire!"

In this excerpt, the phrase "and so" is repeated at the end of the second and third lines, creating an antistrophe. This repetition reinforces the call for freedom and the urgency of its realization.

These examples demonstrate how antistrophe can be used to create emphasis, rhythm, and balance within a literary work. By repeating words or phrases at the end of successive clauses or verses, antistrophe enhances the impact and meaning of the text.

Examples of Antistrophe in Bible

 

1

From Psalm 24:7-10 (NIV):

"Lift up your heads, you gates;

be lifted up, you ancient doors,

that the King of glory may come in.

Who is this King of glory?

The Lord strong and mighty,

the Lord mighty in battle.

Lift up your heads, you gates;

lift them up, you ancient doors,

that the King of glory may come in.

Who is he, this King of glory?

The Lord Almighty—

he is the King of glory."

In this passage, the phrases "Lift up your heads, you gates" and "that the King of glory may come in" are repeated at the end of successive stanzas, creating an antistrophe. This repetition emphasizes the call for the gates to open and welcome the King of glory.

 

2

From Isaiah 6:1-3 (NIV):

"In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.'"

In this passage, the phrase "holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty" is repeated at the end of successive verses, creating an antistrophe. This repetition emphasizes the holiness and glory of the Lord.

These examples showcase how antistrophe is employed in the Bible to create emphasis, rhythm, and symmetry. The repetition of words or phrases at the end of successive clauses or verses helps convey important messages and deepen the impact of the biblical texts.

Function of Antistrophe

The function of antistrophe in literature serves multiple purposes, including:

Emphasis: Antistrophe helps to emphasize certain words or ideas by repeating them at the end of successive clauses or verses. This repetition draws attention to the repeated words and highlights their significance, making them more memorable for the reader or listener.

Rhythm and Musicality: Antistrophe contributes to the rhythmic and musical qualities of a literary work. By repeating words or phrases at regular intervals, it creates a pleasing and balanced pattern, enhancing the overall flow and cadence of the text.

Structural Organization: Antistrophe can provide a sense of structure and symmetry within a literary work. The repetition of words or phrases at the end of successive clauses or verses creates a parallelism and balance, giving the text a coherent and harmonious structure.

Reinforcement of Themes and Ideas: Antistrophe can reinforce and amplify important themes, ideas, or motifs within a literary piece. By repeating key words or phrases, it strengthens their impact and helps to establish a deeper connection with the reader or listener.

Mnemonic Device: Antistrophe can serve as a mnemonic device, aiding in memorization and retention of information. The repetition of words or phrases at the end of successive clauses or verses can make the content more memorable and easier to recall.

Dramatic Effect: In dramatic works, such as plays or speeches, antistrophe can create a dramatic effect. The repetition of words or phrases at the end of successive lines or sentences can heighten tension, build suspense, or evoke a sense of climax or resolution.

Overall, the function of antistrophe is to enhance the impact, rhythm, structure, and thematic coherence of a literary work. By employing repetition in a specific manner, antistrophe adds depth, emphasis, and aesthetic appeal to the text.