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Antithesis Examples and Worksheets

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Table of Contents

Definition of Antithesis

Antithesis is a literary device designed to highlight the difference/s of two irreconcilable opposites. Structurally, the contrasting ideas (be it concepts, words, phrases or sentences) are placed in sharp juxtaposition and sustained tension, i.e. observing correct grammar and parallelism, in order to achieve the ultimate contrasting effect. The well-balanced or parallel structure makes the comparison easier and highlights the contradictions between the ideas.

Antitheses are common in both writing and speeches. Here are a few examples:

• This famous expression by Muhammad Ali displays two contrasting animal actions: a silent (floating) butterfly and an aggressive (sting) bee.
• It presents the contrasting qualities of speech versus silence and silver versus gold .
• It highlights the differences between rude and kind and between sadness and joy .

Here’s an antithesis-laden excerpt from Pres. Abraham Lincoln’s speech:

When there is need of silence , you speak , and when there is need of speech , you are dumb . When you are present , you wish to be absent , and when absent , you desire to be present . In peace you are for war , and in war you long for peace . In council you descant on bravery , and in the battle you tremble .

In sum, an antithesis is composed of three main components: (1) at least two parts, (2) contrasting ideas, and (3) a parallel grammatical structure.

Antithesis vs. irony vs. juxtaposition

Oftentimes, antithesis is mistaken as irony when used in speech. Although both are used to convey contrasts of ideas, they have a distinction: antithesis is structured with parallelism in mind, whereas irony implies contradictions between appearance and reality through tone or choice of words. See examples below:

• Antithesis: Temperance leads to happiness; intemperance ends, in general, to misery.
• Irony: You found yourself in a no-smoking zone on your cigarette break.

Juxtaposition, on the other hand, is used to also highlight the differences between two things, but those two things do not necessarily have to be totally opposites. This rhetorical device compares similar things so that the audience will spot the subtle differences. Juxtaposition also does not require sentence parallelism or balanced grammatical structure. One popular example of this literary device is the expression “When it rains, it pours,” which means when one thing goes right, many things will go right; also, when one thing goes wrong, everything goes wrong.

Functions and Antithesis Examples

Literally meaning “opposite,” antithesis is commonly used among writers as it adds color and flavor to their works. This literary tool can be used to show the character’s mindset and personality as well as set up an argument. Here are some of literary works where the use antithesis stands out:

• It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. (Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens)
• Better to reign in Hell, than serve in Heav’n. in Paradise Lost by John Milton
• To err is human; to forgive divine. – An Essay on Criticism by Alexander Pope
• Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice. – Hamlet by William Shakespeare

Antithesis is also commonly used among famous personalities’ speeches and in common quotes and idioms. Here are a few examples:

• We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools. ( Martin Luther King, Jr .)
• And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man. (John F. Kennedy Jr.)
• We will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist. ( Barack Obama )
• That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind. ( Neil Armstrong )
• I would rather be ashes than dust! I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dryrot. I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet. The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time. (Jack London)
• Love is an ideal thing, marriage a real thing. (Goethe)
• Patience is bitter, but it has a sweet fruit. (Aristotle)
• Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful. (Samuel Johnson)
• Folks who have no vices have very few virtues. (Abraham Lincoln)
• All the joy the world contains has come through wishing happiness for others. All the misery the world contains has come through wanting pleasure for oneself. (Shantideva)

Antithesis Worksheets

This bundle contains 5 ready-to-use antithesis worksheets that 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.

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Antithesis Worksheets

Giving Explanations

Fill In The Blanks

Understanding Parallelism

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A Tale Of Two Cities

To Be Or Not To Be

Poetry Analysis

Contrasting Words

Listening Challenge

Stylistic Devices Mastery

Quoted Statements

Express Your Opinion

Writing And Revising

Copying The Formula

Parallel Practice

All about these 15 worksheets.

Antithesis, the rhetorical device that juxtaposes contrasting ideas or words within a sentence to create a balanced and thought-provoking effect, is a powerful tool in writing and communication. Understanding and mastering antithesis not only enhances a student’s grasp of persuasive techniques but also sharpens critical thinking, strengthens argumentative skills, and fosters a deeper appreciation for language and rhetoric.

In a world where effective communication and critical analysis are paramount, students must develop the ability to recognize and employ antithesis in their writing and speech. To empower students with the art of antithesis and its myriad applications, we proudly present a collection of 15 worksheets on Antithesis. These worksheets are meticulously designed to provide students with structured and engaging opportunities to explore, practice, and master the art of antithesis.

What Is Antithesis?

So, imagine you’re playing a game where one superhero is super strong, like the Hulk, and another is incredibly fast, like the Flash. They’re very different from each other, right? They have opposite powers. Now, this concept of opposites is what we call “antithesis” in literature.

Antithesis is a fancy word that we use when two contrasting or opposite ideas are put together in a sentence to create a dramatic, powerful, or thought-provoking effect. You know, like “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,” from a famous book called “A Tale of Two Cities.” It means the time was so crazy it felt like the best and worst at once. See how the contrast creates an interesting idea?

Imagine these worksheets like a playbook for a new game you want to master, or a guide to draw your favorite superhero step-by-step. These worksheets are like a training arena to help you understand, identify, and even create your own antithesis examples.

These worksheet consist of several different sections. The first section might have sentences with antithesis already in them, asking you to spot and underline the contrasting ideas. It’s like a game of ‘I spy,’ but with words.

The second section could give you half of a sentence, asking you to complete it with a contrasting idea. For instance, if you get “As slow as a ____,” you could write, “As slow as a snail, but as fast as a cheetah.” You created an antithesis!

The third section might challenge you to come up with your own sentences using antithesis, starting from scratch. It’s like making up your own super-powered characters and their stories.

And the best part is, as you practice with these worksheets, you’ll become a master of creating striking contrasts. This is super useful in school, especially when writing essays or stories. It’s like adding a superpower to your writing, making it more engaging and dramatic!

To sum it up, antithesis worksheets are like your gym for writing muscles, helping you become a stronger, more creative writer. So the next time you write a story or an essay, you’ll be like a superhero, using the power of antithesis to make your writing more exciting and compelling!

Why Do Authors Use This Technique?

Authors use the literary device of antithesis in their work for a variety of reasons. Here are a few:

Creates Contrast – One of the primary reasons is to create a strong contrast between two ideas or characters. This can highlight a conflict or a dilemma, making it more vivid and engaging for the reader. For example, “To err is human, to forgive divine,” highlights the contrast between human frailty and divine perfection.

Enhances Meaning – By placing two opposing ideas next to each other, an antithesis can help clarify or deepen the meaning of each. It’s like looking at a photograph where the background helps you better understand the foreground.

Adds Dramatic Effect – Antithesis can add a sense of drama or tension to a piece of writing. It makes the text more memorable and impactful, capturing the reader’s attention.

Emphasizes a Point – Authors often use antithesis to emphasize a particular point or theme. By presenting two contrasting ideas, the author draws the reader’s attention to the differences and helps them see a concept in a new light.

Provides Balance – In poetry and prose, antithesis can provide a balance or rhythm to the language. This can make a piece of writing more aesthetically pleasing and easier to read, and can also help emphasize the themes the author is exploring.

Provokes Thought – Lastly, antithesis can provoke thought by presenting contradictory or opposing ideas. This can challenge readers, encouraging them to engage more deeply with the text and to think critically about the issues it raises.

The Importance of Understanding Antithesis

Understanding antithesis and its various forms is of great importance for several reasons:

• Persuasive Communication: Antithesis is a persuasive technique used to emphasize contrasting ideas, making it a valuable tool for effective communication and argumentation.
• Critical Thinking: Recognizing antithesis in speeches, literature, and persuasive writing prompts students to think critically about the structure and impact of language in various contexts.
• Enhanced Writing Skills: Learning to use antithesis in their own writing allows students to create compelling arguments, essays, and speeches.
• Literary Appreciation: Antithesis is a common device in literature, and understanding it enables students to appreciate the artistry and rhetorical devices used by authors.

This collection of Antithesis worksheets is a valuable resource for educators and parents committed to nurturing effective communication, critical thinking, and persuasive writing skills in students. Proficiency in recognizing, analyzing, and employing antithesis equips individuals with the tools to engage their audience, convey ideas persuasively, and appreciate the artistry of language and rhetoric.

This collection is an investment in their future success, ensuring they have the language skills to communicate with impact, conviction, and persuasive power. Explore these Antithesis worksheets today, and watch your students become masterful communicators who can skillfully balance contrasting ideas for maximum rhetorical effect.

Antithesis Definition

What is antithesis? Here’s a quick and simple definition:

Antithesis is a figure of speech that juxtaposes two contrasting or opposing ideas, usually within parallel grammatical structures. For instance, Neil Armstrong used antithesis when he stepped onto the surface of the moon in 1969 and said, "That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind." This is an example of antithesis because the two halves of the sentence mirror each other in grammatical structure, while together the two halves emphasize the incredible contrast between the individual experience of taking an ordinary step, and the extraordinary progress that Armstrong's step symbolized for the human race.

Some additional key details about antithesis:

• Antithesis works best when it is used in conjunction with parallelism (successive phrases that use the same grammatical structure), since the repetition of structure makes the contrast of the content of the phrases as clear as possible.
• The word "antithesis" has another meaning, which is to describe something as being the opposite of another thing. For example, "love is the antithesis of selfishness." This guide focuses only on antithesis as a literary device.
• The word antithesis has its origins in the Greek word antithenai , meaning "to oppose." The plural of antithesis is antitheses.

How to Pronounce Antithesis

Here's how to pronounce antithesis: an- tith -uh-sis

Antithesis and Parallelism

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:

To err is human , to forgive divine .

The two clauses of the sentence are parallel because each starts off with an infinitive verb and ends with an adjective ("human" and "divine"). The mirroring of these elements then works to emphasize the contrast in their content, particularly in the very strong opposite contrast between "human" and "divine."

Antithesis Without Parallelism

In most cases, antitheses involve parallel elements of the sentence—whether 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:

"When it's cold outside , I've got the month of May ."

Here the sentence is clearly cut into two clauses on either side of the comma, and the contrasting elements are clear enough. However, strictly speaking there isn't true parallelism here because "cold outside" and "month of May" are different types of grammatical structures (an adjective phrase and a noun phrase, respectively).

Antithesis vs. Related Terms

Three literary terms that are often mistakenly used in the place of antithesis are juxtaposition , oxymoron , and foil . 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.

Antithesis vs. Juxtaposition

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.

Antithesis vs. Oxymoron

In an oxymoron , two seemingly contradictory words are placed together because their unlikely combination reveals a deeper truth. Some examples of oxymorons include:

• Sweet sorrow
• Cruel kindness
• Living dead

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").

Antithesis vs. Foil

Some Internet sources use "antithesis" to describe an author's decision to create two characters in a story that are direct opposites of one another—for instance, the protagonist and antagonist . But the correct term for this kind of opposition is a foil : a person or thing in a work of literature that contrasts with another thing in order to call attention to its qualities. While the sentence "the hare was fast, and the tortoise was slow" is an example of antithesis, if we step back and look at the story as a whole, the better term to describe the relationship between the characters of the tortoise and the hare is "foil," as in, "The character of the hare is a foil of the tortoise."

Antithesis Examples

Antithesis in literature.

Below are examples of antithesis from some of English literature's most acclaimed writers — and a comic book!

Antithesis in Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities

In the famous opening lines of A Tale of Two Cities , Dickens sets out a flowing list of antitheses punctuated by the repetition of the word "it was" at the beginning of each clause (which is itself an example of the figure of speech anaphora ). By building up this list of contrasts, Dickens sets the scene of the French Revolution that will serve as the setting of his tale by emphasizing the division and confusion of the era. The overwhelming accumulation of antitheses is also purposefully overdone; Dickens is using hyperbole to make fun of the "noisiest authorities" of the day and their exaggerated claims. The passage contains many examples of antithesis, each consisting of one pair of contrasting ideas that we've highlighted to make the structure clearer.

It was the best of times , it was the worst of times , it was the age of wisdom , it was the age of foolishness , it was the epoch of belief , it was the epoch of incredulity , it was the season of Light , it was the season of Darkness , it was the spring of hope , it was the winter of despair , we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven , we were all going direct the other way —in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.

Antithesis in John Milton's Paradise Lost

In this verse from Paradise Lost , Milton's anti-hero , Satan, claims he's happier as the king of Hell than he could ever have been as a servant in Heaven. He justifies his rebellion against God with this pithy phrase, and the antithesis drives home the double contrast between Hell and Heaven, and between ruling and serving.

Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven.

Antithesis in William Shakespeare's Othello

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.

This is the night That either makes me or fordoes me quite .

In this passage, the simple word "either" functions as a cue for the reader to expect some form of parallelism, because the "either" signals that a contrast between two things is coming.

Antithesis in William Shakespeare's Hamlet

Shakespeare's plays are full of antithesis, and so is Hamlet's most well-known "To be or not to be" soliloquy . This excerpt of the soliloquy is a good example of an antithesis that is not limited to a single word or short phrase. The first instance of antithesis here, where Hamlet announces the guiding question (" to be or not to be ") is followed by an elaboration of each idea ("to be" and "not to be") into metaphors that then form their own antithesis. Both instances of antithesis hinge on an " or " that divides the two contrasting options.

To be or not to be , that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, And by opposing end them ...

Antithesis in T.S. Eliot's "Four Quartets"

In this excerpt from his poem "Four Quartets," T.S. Eliot uses antithesis to describe the cycle of life, which is continuously passing from beginning to end, from rise to fall, and from old to new.

In my beginning is my end . In succession Houses rise and fall , crumble, are extended, Are removed, destroyed, restored, or in their place Is an open field, or a factory, or a by-pass. Old stone to new building , old timber to new fires ...

Antithesis in Green Lantern's Oath

Comic book writers know the power of antithesis too! In this catchy oath, Green Lantern uses antithesis to emphasize that his mission to defeat evil will endure no matter the conditions.

In brightest day , in blackest night , No evil shall escape my sight. Let those who worship evil's might Beware my power—Green lantern's light!

While most instances of antithesis are built around an "or" that signals the contrast between the two parts of the sentence, the Green Lantern oath works a bit differently. It's built around an implied "and" (to be technical, that first line of the oath is an asyndeton that replaces the "and" with a comma), because members of the Green Lantern corps are expressing their willingness to fight evil in all places, even very opposite environments.

Antithesis in Speeches

Many well-known speeches contain examples of antithesis. Speakers use antithesis to drive home the stakes of what they are saying, sometimes by contrasting two distinct visions of the future.

Antithesis in Patrick Henry's Speech to the Second Virginia Convention, 1775

This speech by famous American patriot Patrick Henry includes one of the most memorable and oft-quoted phrases from the era of the American Revolution. Here, Henry uses antithesis to emphasize just how highly he prizes liberty, and how deadly serious he is about his fight to achieve it.

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 .

Antithesis in Martin Luther King Jr.'s Oberlin Commencement Address

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.

We must all learn to live together as brothers —or we will all perish together as fools .

Antithesis in Songs

In songs, contrasting two opposite ideas using antithesis can heighten the dramatic tension of a difficult decision, or express the singer's intense emotion—but whatever the context, antithesis is a useful tool for songwriters mainly because opposites are always easy to remember, so lyrics that use antithesis tend to stick in the head.

Antithesis in "Should I Stay or Should I Go" by The Clash (1981)

In this song by The Clash, the speaker is caught at a crossroads between two choices, and antithesis serves as the perfect tool to express just how confused and conflicted he is. The rhetorical question —whether to stay or to go—presents two opposing options, and the contrast between his lover's mood from one day (when everything is "fine") to the next (when it's all "black") explains the difficulty of his choice.

One day it's fine and next it's black So if you want me off your back Well, come on and let me know Should I stay or should I go ? Should I stay or should I go now? Should I stay or should I go now? If I go, there will be trouble If I stay it will be double ...

Antithesis in "My Girl" by the Temptations (1965)

In this song, the singer uses a pair of metaphors to describe the feeling of joy that his lover brings him. This joy is expressed through antithesis, since the singer uses the miserable weather of a cloudy, cold day as the setting for the sunshine-filled month of May that "his girl" makes him feel inside, emphasizing the power of his emotions by contrasting them with the bleak weather.

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.

Why Do Writers Use Antithesis?

Fundamentally, writers of all types use antithesis for its ability to create a clear contrast. This contrast can serve a number of purposes, as shown in the examples above. It can:

• Present a stark choice between two alternatives.
• Convey magnitude or range (i.e. "in brightest day, in darkest night" or "from the highest mountain, to the deepest valley").
• Express strong emotions.
• Create a relationship of opposition between two separate ideas.
• Accentuate the qualities and characteristics of one thing by placing it in opposition to another.

Whatever the case, antithesis almost always has the added benefit of making language more memorable to listeners and readers. The use of parallelism and other simple grammatical constructions like "either/or" help to establish opposition between concepts—and opposites have a way of sticking in the memory.

Other Helpful Antithesis Resources

• The Wikipedia page on Antithesis : A useful summary with associated examples, along with an extensive account of antithesis in the Gospel of Matthew.
• Sound bites from history : A list of examples of antithesis in famous political speeches from United States history — with audio clips!
• A blog post on antithesis : This quick rundown of antithesis focuses on a quote you may know from Muhammad Ali's philosophy of boxing: "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee."

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What is Antithesis? Definition, Examples of Antitheses in Writing

Home » The Writer’s Dictionary » What is Antithesis? Definition, Examples of Antitheses in Writing

Antithesis definition: Antithesis is a literary and rhetorical device where two seemingly contrasting ideas are expressed through parallel structure.

What is Antithesis?

What does antithesis mean? An antithesis is just that—an “anti” “thesis.” An antithesis is used in writing to express ideas that seem contradictory.

An antithesis uses parallel structure of two ideas to communicate this contradiction.

Example of Antithesis:

• “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.” –Muhammad Ali

First, the structure is parallel. Each “side” of the phrase has the same number of words and the same structure. Each uses a verb followed by a simile.

Second, the contracting elements of a butterfly and a bee seem contradictory. That is, a butterfly is light and airy while a bee is sharp and stinging. One person (a boxer, in this case) should not be able to possess these two qualities—this is why this is an antithesis.

However, Ali is trying to express how a boxer must be light on his feet yet quick with his fist.

Modern Examples of Antithesis

• “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

Through parallel structure, this quotation presents an antithesis. It seems contradictory that one action could be a “small step” and a “giant leap.”

However, this contradiction proposes that the action of landing on the moon might have just been a small physical step for the man Neil Armstrong, but it was a giant leap for the progress of mankind.

The Function of Antithesis

An antithesis stands out in writing. Because it uses parallel structure, an antithesis physically stands out when interspersed among other syntactical structures. Furthermore, an antithesis presents contrasting ideas that cause the reader or audience to pause and consider the meaning and purpose.

Oftentimes, the meaning of an antithesis is not overtly clear. That is, a reader or audience must evaluate the statement to navigate the meaning.

Writers utilize antitheses very sparingly. Since its purpose is to cause an audience to pause and consider the argument, it must be used with purpose and intent.

Antithesis Example from Literature

• “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity…”

From the beginning, Dickens presents two contradictory ideas in this antithesis.

How can it be the “best” and the “worst” of times? These two “times” should not be able to coexist.

Similarly, how can the setting of this novel also take place during an “age of wisdom” and an “age of foolishness?”

The antithesis continues.

Dickens opens his with these lines to set the tone for the rest of the novel. Clearly, there are two sides to this story, two tales of what is the truth. These two “sides” should not function peacefully. And, in fact, they do not. That, after all, is the “tale of two cities.”

Dickens sets up this disparity to set the tone for his novel, which will explore this topic.

Summary: What is an Antithesis?

Define antithesis: An antithesis consists of contrasting concepts presented in parallel structure.

Writers use antithesis to create emphasis to communicate an argument.

• Note: The plural form of antithesis is antitheses.

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Showing top 8 worksheets in the category - Antithesis .

Some of the worksheets displayed are Work 11a antithesis, Juxtaposition antithesis and oxymoron as taught by, Rhetorical devices practice, Rhetorical terms, Syntax and persuasion high school lesson about this lesson, Hamlet act questions answer, Dialectics acceptance change, Alliteration onomatopoeia metaphor simile hyperbole.

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1. Worksheet 11a Antithesis

2. juxtaposition, antithesis, and oxymoron as taught by ..., 3. rhetorical devices practice -, 4. rhetorical terms, 5. syntax and persuasion high school lesson about this lesson, 6. hamlet act questions answer sheet, 7. dialectics: acceptance & change, 8. alliteration onomatopoeia metaphor simile hyperbole ....

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Speech Writing: Antithesis

Subject: English

Age range: 14-16

Resource type: Lesson (complete)

Last updated

9 October 2019

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Two lessons on using antithesis inspired by John F Kennedy’s 1961 inaugural address. The lesson sequences is as follows: Lesson 1

• Students brainstorm what one thing they would change in the world if they had the power.
• Context to JFK inaugural speech.
• Identification of persuasive devices in speech.
• Explanation of antithesis.
• Identification of antithesis.
• Consideration of effect of antithesis.
• Worksheet writing frame to encourage students to use antithesis.
• Peer marking - What went well and Even better if. Lesson 2
• Re-consideration of starter from lesson 1.
• Students write a speech on the topic of their choice using persuasive devices and the antithesis they created from the previous lesson. Folder includes 21 slide powerpoint; extract of speech and worksheet writing frame to create antithesis.

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Antithesis lessons

Resource type.

Antithesis - bellringer, warm-up, mini- lesson

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Definition of Antithesis

Examples of antithesis in everyday speech, common examples of antithesis from famous speeches, examples of proverbs featuring antithesis, utilizing antithesis in writing, antithesis and parallelism, antithesis and juxtaposition, use of antithesis in sentences  , examples of antithesis in literature.

Antithesis is an effective literary device and figure of speech in which a writer intentionally juxtaposes two contrasting ideas or entities. Antithesis is typically achieved through parallel structure, in which opposing concepts or elements are paired in adjacent phrases , clauses , or sentences. This draws the reader’s attention to the significance or importance of the agents being contrasted, thereby adding a memorable and meaningful quality to the literary work.

Example 1:  Hamlet (William Shakespeare)

Give every man thine ear, but few thy voice ; Take each man’s censure, but reserve thy judgment.

Example 2:  Paradise Lost  (John Milton)

Here at least We shall be free; the Almighty hath not built Here for his envy, will not drive us hence: Here we may reign secure, and in my choice To reign is worth ambition though in Hell: Better to reign in Hell, than serve in Heaven.

Example 3:  Fire and Ice  (Robert Frost)

Some say the world will end in fire, Some say in ice. From what I’ve tasted of desire I hold with those who favor fire. But if it had to perish twice, I think I know enough of hate To say that for destruction ice Is also great And would suffice.

Example 4: The Gettysburg Address by Abraham Lincoln

We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives so that nation might live.

The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract.

The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.

Function of Antithesis

Synonyms of antithesis, post navigation.

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Displaying all worksheets related to - Antithesis .

Worksheets are Work 11a antithesis, Juxtaposition antithesis and oxymoron as taught by, Rhetorical devices practice, Rhetorical terms, Syntax and persuasion high school lesson about this lesson, Hamlet act questions answer, Dialectics acceptance change, Alliteration onomatopoeia metaphor simile hyperbole.

Click on pop-out icon or print icon to worksheet to print or download.

1. Worksheet 11a Antithesis

2. juxtaposition, antithesis, and oxymoron as taught by ..., 3. rhetorical devices practice -, 4. rhetorical terms, 5. syntax and persuasion high school lesson about this lesson, 6. hamlet act questions answer sheet, 7. dialectics: acceptance & change, 8. alliteration onomatopoeia metaphor simile hyperbole ....

Table of Contents

Introduction, what is antithesis, why do writers use antithesis, common examples of antithesis in everyday conversations, examples of antithesis in literature.

“Love is an ideal thing, marriage a real thing.” Johann wolfgang von Goethe

“To err is human; to forgive divine.” Alexander Pope.

… Beware  Of entrance to a quarrel, but being in,  Bear’t that the opposèd may beware of thee.  Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice. Take each man’s censure, but reserve thy judgment.  From “ Hamlet ” by William Shakespeare

To be, or not to be, that is the question. From “Hamlet” by Shakespeare

The contrasting elements “to be” and “not to be” are juxtaposed within a parallel structure, creating a profound and thought-provoking expression. This use of antithesis highlights the existential dilemma and inner conflict faced by the character Hamlet as he contemplates the meaning and consequences of life and death.

“Many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:14

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness… From “A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens

“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” Neil Armstrong

1 Antithesis English ESL worksheets pdf & doc

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What is Antithesis — Definition & Examples in Literature & Film

I f you’ve ever heard sentence structure, met characters, or witnessed ideas that seem diametrically opposed, you’re actually pretty familiar with the idea of the antithesis. But there is more to it than just juxtaposing ideas. Read on to learn exactly what is antithesis, how this tool is used, and how you can include an antithesis in your next project. 

Antithesis Definition

First, let’s define antithesis.

There are a number of terms often confused for antithesis (like paradox or oxymoron ). But an antithesis has a particular grammatical structure that helps differentiate it from the rest. So, here’s the antithesis definition and then we'll look at specific examples:

ANTITHESIS DEFINITION

What is antithesis.

An antithesis is a rhetorical and literary device with parallel grammar structure but which establishes a nearly complete or exact opposition in ideas or characters. It can be effective in emphasizing drastic differences between opposing concepts.

How to pronounce antithesis: [an-TITH-uh-sis]  

Familiar antithesis examples:

• “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
• “No pain, no gain.”
• “Out of sight, out of mind.”

The word “antithesis” comes from the Greek word meaning “setting opposite,” which is an idea that has been used in various forms. Let’s look at those various forms in more antithesis examples.

Antitheses Examples

How do we use antithesis today.

The purpose of antithetical language is not just mentioning the existence of opposing ideas, but rather emphasizing the stark differences between them.  The often lyrical and rhythmic nature of this device helps accentuate the parallel grammatical structure.

Watch the video below to learn more about how we use antitheses today. 

Antithesis Definition, Examples and Techniques

We use this device in that pure form today (see the examples above) in everyday turns of phrase. But there are more in-depth ways (in actions and story in general) that fit the antithesis definition. 

People and characters can act in an antithetical manner to their beliefs.

Antithesis Examples in Behavior: 

• A character who says they love animals but wears real fur coats.
• Someone who says they are vegetarian but eats a big steak for dinner.
• A person who uses a “Shop Small” tote bag but does their holiday shopping at Walmart. 

In addition, characters in literary or scripted works, much like people, can be antitheses to each other in and of themselves. In fact, this is often how great villains are created.

Check out the video below to see more on writing great villains , and how antagonists can mirror or juxtapose protagonists . 

Page to Picture: How to Write a Villain  •   Subscribe on YouTube

Protagonists can be an “antihero,” or the villain of a story can be portrayed separately as a parallel to the protagonist; therefore, the protagonist and antagonist highlight each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and evil and benevolent qualities. Some classic examples of this pseudo-mirrored antagonist concept are: 

Snow White and the Queen

Batman and Joker

Dumbledore and Voldemort

As you can see, the antithesis is typically the ultimate antagonist, even if the character they are meant to parallel isn’t the protagonist, as is the case in the Harry Potter series. 

Both a strong example of antithesis and nuanced portrayal of complicated character relationships, the Harry Potter series showcases a number of moral ambiguities as they pertain to Dumbledore and Voldemort.

We imported the script into StudioBinder’s screenwriting software to see exactly how this juxtaposition is first established.

Read Full Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Script

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone masterfully establishes the characteristics that Harry and Voldemort share, but it also establishes similarities between Dumbledore and Voldemort.

Throughout the series, these shared traits influence Dumbledore and Voldemort in their objectives and decisions. 

For instance, in the Sorcerer’s Stone , we are introduced to how Voldemort and Dumbledore move through the world. Hagrid tells Harry early on about Voldemort’s rise to power: he was a wizard “who went as bad as you can go [...] anyone who stood up to him ended up dead.” Hagrid frames Voldemort as a powerful wizard, capable of massive destruction. 

Antithesis Example in Harry Potter  •   Read Full Scene

Alternatively, towards the end of the first film Dumbledore explains his tactics in his work with Nicolas Flamel on the Sorcerer’s Stone . “Only a person who wanted to find the stone—find it, but not use it—would be able to get it.” Dumbledore respects power and the laws of magic, and his actions reflect that. 

Further into the series, in Order of the Phoenix , we see what happens when Dumbledore’s tremendous abilities collide with Voldemort’s formidable power in their epic Ministry of Magic duel.

Voldemort’s spells all aim to destruct, whereas Dumbledore’s are equally amazing, but meant to disarm, distinguish, or defend. 

The series is a remarkable example of how antitheses can be essential to a story, and the respective backstories, unique abilities, and of course choices of Voldemort and Dumbledore prove it.  

Implementing Antitheses

How to use antithesis.

With all the ways you can implement and define antithesis, it’s good to have a number of tricks or rules of thumb to keep in your back pocket. Whether you’re writing a short story or your next feature screenplay, here are some things you can keep in mind. 

1. Aim for Moderation

If you’re using antithesis in the form of a rhetorical device, try to keep the number of antitheses to a minimum unless it’s a crucial character trait of the speaker. Using a similar literary device too often can leave your writing predictable or even annoying. The more you use a tool, like antithetical language, the less meaning it can have. 

2. Similar Structure

Keep the structure of your antithesis as similar as possible if you want to highlight the differences more intensely. And try to keep the phrasing itself balanced. Both variables of the equation don’t have to be exact, but the lyrical phrasing can help your antithesis shine and stick long after the read. 

3. Focus on Differences

Focus on contrast but remember to find ways to draw the parallels. How can the characters be compared to the point where their differences become obvious? How can their differences lead to conversation about how the characters may actually be similar? 

Antitheses via characters and sentence structure can assist in not just interesting writing, but memorable writing. They can make your message more understandable and retainable, which should be a top goal in any written work. You never want to give you reader a reason to stop reading.

So, now that you’ve learned more about how an antithesis can strengthen your work, you can implement it  into your next project like a pro.

After all, no guts, no glory. 

What is Irony?

Antithesis is a rhetorical device you can use in everyday speech. Much like an antithesis, we encounter several types of irony in everyday life, too. Keep reading to learn about the types of irony and how they’re used in TV and Film. 

Up Next: Irony Explained →

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Antithesis Examples

Antithesis is the term used to refer to an author's use of two contrasting or opposite terms in a sentence for effect. The two terms are set near each other to enhance or highlight the contrast in opposite meaning.

Sometimes, characters in literary works are the antithesis of each other. The two characters are shown as opposites in order to highlight the good qualities of one and the evil qualities of the other.

1. When he became the first man to walk on the moon, Neil Armstrong said that it was a " small step for man, but a giant leap for mankind."

2. "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom , it was the age of foolishness ." Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities

3. Snow White and the Wicked Queen in Snow White and The Seven Dwarfsare the antithesis of each other.

4. "To err is human ; to forgive, divine ." Alexander Pope

5. The poem "Fire and Ice" by Robert Frost sets up a contrast between the terms "fire" and "ice".

6. "And let my liver rather heat with wine than my heart cool with mortifying groans. "The Merchant of Venice, Shakespeare

7. Let's agree to disagree .

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