What is Antithesis?
Antithesis, in simple words, means the direct opposite of things. Its dictionary definition is “a noun that includes the rhetorical contrast of ideas using parallel arrangements of words.” It is a literary device that helps make a written work more captivating, impactful, and memorable.
Following is a quote by Muhammad Ali, the famous boxer, containing antithesis:
“Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.”
This quote talks about two contrasting ideas; it combines graceful movement (float like a butterfly) with intense physical power (sting like a bee). It refers to Ali’s boxing style, being calm and effective at the same time while hitting his opponent.
Antithesis has many synonyms that can be used interchangeably. Opposite, counterpart, contradict, contrary, reverse, and polar opposite are words used while conveying antithetical intents.
Antithesis Examples in Literature
From ancient literary works to contemporary masterpieces, authors have used antithesis to add complexity and richness to their storytelling. Whether it’s highlighting the struggle between good and evil, love and hate, or life and death, the antithetical style continues to be a powerful tool in literature, captivating readers and leaving a lasting impression on their minds. Here are some examples where antithesis is popularly used by great writers in their writing styles.
Antithesis has been Shakespeare‘s favorite literary device. “To be, or not to be” is the opening phrase of a speech given by Prince Hamlet in Shakespeare’s play Hamlet. This soliloquy brings out the opposite ideas together: to live or to die. Hamlet, in the above quotation, is contemplating two very serious ideas.
Another instance of antithesis is when Hamlet tries to make Gertrude feel guilty about marrying his uncle, which is evident in his dialogue:
“And makes a blister there, makes marriage vows; As false as dicers’ oaths — oh, such a deed.”
Here, Hamlet believes that Gertrude’s original marriage vows—presumably that she would stay true to King Hamlet forever—have been proven false by her new marriage vows, and this has made them meaningless i.e., as untrustworthy as the promises made by gamblers. Thus, true intents such as marriage vows are strung together with fake promises.
Antithesis in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet
In Romeo and Juliet, there are many instances of antithesis in Romeo’s dialogues. Some of the examples are mentioned below:
“Here’s much to do with hate, but more with love.
Why then, O brawling love, O loving hate, O any thing, of nothing first create!”
Romeo uses this to express how he both hates and loves Rosaline at the same time. His confusion over the fact that love is both the best and worst thing is clearly seen here.
Below is another quote of his on love involving antithesis:
“O heavy lightness, serious vanity,
Misshapen chaos of well-seeming forms,
Feather of lead, bright smoke, cold fire, sick health,
Still-waking sleep that is not what it is.”
Here, Romeo is bewildered by the contradictory nature of life, particularly where love, hate, and strong passions are concerned. He feels love is heavy and light while at the same time bright and cold. He wonders how all these opposing emotions exist all at once.
Shakespeare uses antithesis in Juliet’s dialogues too. This is evident in the following quote:
“My only love sprung from my only hate.
Too early seen unknown, and known too late.”
Juliet says this about Romeo as she realizes that she has fallen in love with him, but he’s also a Montague—the only son of her great enemy. The polar opposite ideas of love and hate stand parallel in the sentence. Shakespeare uses antithesis in various of his other works, such as Julius Caesar, Macbeth, and King Lear.
By juxtaposing opposing ideas, themes, or characters, writers can heighten the drama, emphasize conflicts, and add depth to their narratives. Antithesis is also used in poems and dramas. It increases the impact of poems’ verses and makes the language more vibrant. In dramas, it adds depth and complexity to the characters when used in dialogues, monologues, or even the play’s overall structure. In general, antithesis makes audiences’ literary experience thought-provoking and engaging.
