Antithesis Example from Literature
Thesis, together with antithesis results in a synthesis,
according to philosopher Hegel. Hegels dialectics is a
philosophical method involving a contradictory series of events
between opposing sides. He describes the thesis as being the
starting point, the antithesis is the reaction and the synthesis
is the outcome from the reaction. Karl Marx used this philosophy
to explain how communism came about. According to Marxs theory:
The antithesis is the opposite or opposition to the thesis. Anti
being the prefix, and when it is added to thesis, spells
antithesis. Anti changes the meaning of the word thesis.
Opposition or an opposing statement or word, is the role that the
antithesis plays. The antithesis helps to bring out the reason
behind a debate or an emotive statement. Looking at the opposing
theme and comparing the thesis and the antithesis highlights the
mental picture through the anti aspect of the word antithesis.
For example, when Neil Armstrong told the world he had made one
small step for man and a giant leap for mankind he used the
normal step he took as the thesis, and used the antithesis as a
giant leap to create the picture of how great this step was for
mankind. This created a memorable image, and shows the enormity
of the first man walking on the moon. Antithesis is a form of
rhetoric and a useful way of persuading people and igniting
emotional reactions. Antithesis has been used by writers and
politicians to stir emotions and bring home an important point.
This bundle contains 5 ready-to-use antithesis worksheetsthat are
perfect to test student knowledge and understanding of what
antithesis is and how it can be used. You can use these
antithesis worksheets in the classroom with students, or with
home schooled children as well. Easter
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What is the connection between Thesis, Antithesis and synthesis?
How is Thesis and Antithesis used in literary circles? - As the plot of Othello nears its climax, the antagonist of the play, Iago, pauses for a moment to acknowledge the significance of what is about to happen. Iago uses antithesis to contrast the two opposite potential outcomes of his villainous plot: either events will transpire in Iago's favor and he will come out on top, or his treachery will be discovered, ruining him.
Each of these three terms does have to do with establishing a relationship of difference between two ideas or characters in a text, but beyond that there are significant differences between them. The focus of antithesis is opposites rather than contradictions. While the words involved in oxymorons seem like they don't belong together (until you give them deeper thought), the words or ideas of antithesis do feel like they belong together even as they contrast as opposites. Further, antitheses seldom function by placing the two words or ideas right next to one another, so antitheses are usually made up of more than two words (as in, "I'd rather be among the living than among the dead"). The modern interpretation of epics is that they are a mixed genre. They can include folk tales and novellas, though only novels and romances continue to be lengthy. An example of a classic epic is "The Odyssey" by Homer. In this speech by one of America's most well-known orators, antithesis allows Martin Luther King Jr. to highlight the contrast between two visions of the future; in the first vision, humans rise above their differences to cooperate with one another, while in the other humanity is doomed by infighting and division. Thesis and antithesis are literary techniques used to make a point during a debate or a lecture or discourse about a topic. The thesis is the theory or the definition of the point under discussion.
What is antithesis in literature - Millipede
Praying Mantis
Ladybug
Ants
Spider
Iguana
Chameleon
Komodo Dragon
Lizard
Bearded Dragon
Gila Monster
Snakes
Antithesis is the exact opposite of the point made in the thesis. Anti is a prefix meaning against. The antithesis therefore goes against the thesis to create an opposition effect. The antithesis creates a clash of ideas or opinions and is a rhetorical device used to sway the opinions of the reader. The two opposite statements highlight a point in literature, politics and other forums of debate. Hearing the two sides of an argument has to have more impact on the reader or listener. The two opposing ideas make the writers point more definite and obvious. In most cases, antitheses involve parallel elements of the sentencewhether a pair of nouns, verbs, adjectives, or other grammar elements. However, it is also possible to have antithesis without such clear cut parallelism. In the Temptations Song "My Girl," the singer uses antithesis when he says: Think of places in your writing that would benefit from comparing two contrasting ideas. Is there a setting that embodies opposing attributes? The two concepts dont need to be exact opposites-like light and dark-but should be different and distinct, like, say, like excitement and frustration. Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take: but as for me, give me liberty or give me death.
Often, but not always, antithesis works in tandem with
parallelism. In parallelism, two components of a sentence (or
pair of sentences) mirror one another by repeating grammatical
elements. The following is a good example of both antithesis and
parallelism: Antithesis in a speech helps to advertise sentiments
and rally crowds together due to its emotional power. Martin
Luther King used antithesis to sway a crowd by saying unless
people chose to live together as brothers they would surely
perish as fools. Cite
APA 7
Wither, C. (2020, November 23). Difference Between Thesis and
Antithesis. Difference Between Similar Terms and Objects.
MLA 8
Wither, Christina. "Difference Between Thesis and Antithesis. "
Difference Between Similar Terms and Objects, 23 November,
2020,
Sometimes, writers in order to create suspense in a sentence
according to situation use antithesis so that the interest of
audience is gain. This style of writing is more exclusive which
create personal interest of the reader. Three literary terms that
are often mistakenly used in the place of antithesis are
juxtaposition, oxymoron, and foil.
How does Thesis and Antithesis form part of a debate?
I've got sunshine on a cloudy day
When it's cold outside I've got the month of May
Well I guess you'd say,
What can make me feel this way?
My girl, my girl, my girl
Talkin' bout my girl. In juxtaposition, two things or ideas are
placed next to one another to draw attention to their differences
or similarities. In juxtaposition, the pairing of two ideas is
therefore not necessarily done to create a relationship of
opposition or contradiction between them, as is the case with
antithesis. So, while antithesis could be a type of
juxtaposition, juxtaposition is not always antithesis. Formal
debates make good use of the opposition concept brought about by
the use of antithesis. The debate will start with the
presentation of the thesis, followed by the antithesis and summed
up in the synthesis. For example, a debate about eating meat
could open with the points for eating meat. The next section of
the debate argues for not eating meat and finally the points for
and against could sum up eating meat, but as small portions of a
persons dietary needs. The conflict of the argument comes between
the thesis and the antithesis. The summary for the listeners to
take away is the synthesis of the points made in the debate.