Blog Entry #93
Antithesis is a literary device to introduce two opposing propositions for contrasting effect. Two similar concepts are paradox and oxymoron. Paradox is an argument which shows inconsistency with logic and common sense. Antithesis is the juxtaposition of two contrasting ideas or words in the same statement to create a contrasting effect whereas paradox is a juxtaposition of a set of seemingly contradictory concepts that reveal a hidden truth. Oxymoron, on the other hand, is the combination of seemingly contradictory terms, such as bigger half, alone together, act naturally, or my favourite: deafening silence!
Example of antithesis:
Many are called but few are chosen.
Let’s look at some examples in Literature:
Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare:
Marcus Brutus and Mark Antony were painted in opposite colors, albeit subtly
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens:
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs:
Snow White and the Wicked Witch are always at odds. Snow White wanted to be kind and helpful to everyone while the Wicked Witch wanted to poison her with an apple, thus taking away her beauty and charm.
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