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Antithesis  

From the art and popular culture encyclopedia.

Antithesis ( Greek for "setting opposite", from "against" + "position") is a counter- proposition and denotes a direct contrast to the original proposition. In setting the opposite, an individual brings out a contrast in the meaning (e.g., the definition , interpretation , or semantics ) by an obvious contrast in the expression .

Description

A simple enumeration of the elements of dialectics (any formal system of reasoning that arrives at the truth by the exchange of logical arguments) is that of thesis , antithesis, synthesis . Hell is the antithesis of Heaven; disorder is the antithesis of order. It is the juxtaposition of contrasting ideas, usually in a balanced way. In rhetoric ,:(using language effectively to please or persuade) it is a figure of speech involving the bringing out of a contrast in the ideas by an obvious contrast in the words , clauses , or sentences , within a parallel grammatical structure, as in the following:

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.

Antithesis is sometimes double or alternate, as in the appeal of Augustus:

Listen, young men, to an old man to whom old men were glad to listen when he was young.

Some other examples of antithesis are:

Among English writers who have made the most abundant use of antithesis are Pope , Young, Johnson , and Gibbon ; and especially Lyly in his Euphues . It is, however, a much more common feature in French than in English; while in German, with some striking exceptions, it is conspicuous by its absence. The familiar phrase “Man proposes: God disposes” is an example of antithesis, as is John Dryden 's description in The Hind and the Panther : “Too black for heaven, and yet too white for hell.”

The force of the antithesis is increased if the words on which the beat of the contrast falls are alliterative , or otherwise similar in sound. It gives an expression greater point and vivacity... than a judicious employment of this figure.

In literary fiction, an antithesis can be used to describe a character who presents the exact opposite as to personality type or moral outlook to another character in a particular piece of literature. Some examples of an antithesis in popular literature include the characters of Dumbledore and Voldemort in Harry Potter , the doctor and Kino in The Pearl , and Aslan and the White Witch in " The Chronicles of Narnia ". This does not mean however, that they are necessarily in conflict with each other.

Matthew's Antitheses is the traditional name given to a section of the Sermon on the Mount in which Jesus is reported as taking six well known prescriptions of the Mosaic Law and calling on his followers to do more than the Law requires. Protestant scholars since the Reformation have generally believed that Jesus was setting his teaching over against false interpretations of the law current at the time. The Jewish Encyclopedia: Brotherly Love states:

Jesus' six antitheses are on the following topics:

• You shall not murder at 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26
• You shall not commit adultery at 27 , 28 , 29 , 30
• Divorce at 31 and 32
• Oaths at 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37
• Eye for an eye at 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42
• Love thy neighbour as thyself at 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48

Antithesis was the name given by Marcion to a document in which he contrasted the Old Testament with the New Testament .

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From Shakespeare to JFK: A Look at the Most Memorable Antithesis Examples in History

Antithesis is when we use different seemingly contrasting ideas to make a point. It is a way of writing or speaking that has been used for a long time.

From Shakespeare’s famous “To be or not to be” in “Hamlet” to JFK’s iconic “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country” in his inaugural address, antithesis has played a prominent role in some of the most memorable and influential words in history.

In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the use of antithesis in language and explore some of the most famous examples from literature, speech, and beyond. From the powerful words of Martin Luther King Jr. to the timeless wisdom of Franklin D. Roosevelt, we will examine the impact of these contrasting ideas and how they have helped to shape our understanding of the world around us.

What is Antithesis?

Antithesis is a Greek Word meaning opposite or contrast. Anti-thesis is a literary and rhetorical device that involves the use of contrasting ideas or words in order to emphasize a point or create a balance.

It involves the juxtaposition of two opposing or contrasting ideas, often in the same sentence or in close proximity to one another. Anti-thesis is often used to create a sense of contrast or to highlight the differences between two ideas or concepts.

Let’s look at a few simple examples:

Love is the antithesis of hate . 

Happy is the antithesis to Sad .

Heaven is the antithesis to Hell . Etc.

In literature, Antithesis refers to the use of opposite or contrasting concepts or ideas in a parallel grammatical structure. This means using these two opposite ideas in a single sentence to show the difference between these two ideas.

Why is anti-thesis important in human language?

The use of anti-thesis in human language is important for a number of reasons.

1. Creating balance and structure in our language: By using opposing ideas or concepts, we are able to better articulate our thoughts and ideas in a clear and concise manner.

2. Emphasize the importance of a particular point : By placing two opposing ideas side by side, we can draw attention to the differences between them and highlight the importance of one over the other.

3. Engaging the audience and holding their attention: By presenting contrasting ideas or concepts, we can create tension and interest in our language, which can help to keep our audience engaged and focused on the topic at hand. Whether you are speaking or writing, the use of anti-thesis can be a powerful tool to help you effectively communicate your ideas and engage your audience.

The use of anti-thesis

Antithesis is used by writers and politicians to create a figurative language that enhances, exaggerates, and adds vision to their writings and speeches, and to contrast opposing ideas in a balanced way.

It can show which idea is better by just placing them side-by-side and make the reader analyze with the statement.

Here are some of the best Antithesis statements from different speeches, books, and writings talking about different aspects of life, love, poetry, feelings, discrimination, etc.

Antithesis in Books and Films

Antithesis by william shakespeare in hamlet.

 One of the best examples of antithesis could be William Shakespeare ‘s famous line in Hamlet: 

“Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice.” – William Shakespeare

This can be considered as one of the great examples of antithesis as it presents two contrasting things, listening and speaking in the same structure.

Antithesis by Charles Dickens – A Tale of Two Cities

  “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

Antithesis by John Milton – Paradise Lost

This antithesis compares two contrasting ideas of Heaven and Hell and tells that It is better to be free in hell than to be a slave in heaven.

  “Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heav’n.” – John Milton

Antithesis by Aristotle

“Patience is bitter, but it has a sweet fruit.” – Aristotle

Antithesis in Speeches and Others

Antithesis in i have a dream speech by martin luther king.

In a speech ‘I have a dream’, Martin Luther King compares the current situation faced by the Black community to what he dreams the situation could be.

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” – Martin Luther King

Antithesis by Goethe

“Love is an ideal thing, marriage a real thing.”  – Goethe .

Antithesis by Neil Armstrong

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

Antithesis by Alexander Pope

This phrase explains that making mistakes is a natural aspect of being human. But, if you want to rise above humanity, you’ll have to learn to forgive each other.

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

Antithesis by Abraham Lincoln – The Gettysburg Address

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

Antithesis by Matthew

“Many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew

Antithesis by Abraham Lincoln

Antithesis 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.” – Abraham Lincoln

Antithesis by Martin Luther King

“We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools. ” – Martin Luther King

Antithesis by John F. Kennedy 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.

Antithesis by Barak Obama

“We will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.” – Barak Obama

“Folks who have no vices have very few virtues.” – Abraham Lincoln

Antithesis by Samuel Johnson

“Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful.” – Samuel Johnson

Antithesis by Jack London

“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

Antithesis by Shantideva

“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 in Music

Here are some of the song lyrics which have used antithesis to perfection.

Antithesis in Music – 1

“You’re easy on the eyes Hard on the heart.” – Terri Clark

Antithesis in Music – 2

“It’s never too soon. It’s never too late.” – Bethany Joy Lenz

Antithesis in Music – 3

“And even though the sun is shining Well, I feel the rain.” – Roger Hodgson

Antithesis in Music – 4

“Give me some sunshine Give me some rain” – Swanand Kirkire

Anti Thesis Examples by Others

Antithesis example by unknown.

“Man proposes, God disposes.” – Unknown.

Antithesis by Muhammed Ali

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

This famous statement by Muhammad Ali displays two contrasting animal actions: a silent (floating) butterfly and an aggressive (sting) bee.

Anti Thesis Examples by Unknown -2

 “Speech is silver, but silence is gold.” – Unknown

It shows the contrasting qualities of speech versus silence and compares it to silver versus gold .

Antithesis Example by Unknown -3

 “ Rude words bring about sadness, but kind words inspire joy.” – Unknown

This phrase shows us the differences between rude and kind and between sadness and joy .

Antithesis Example by Unknown -4

“Money is the root of all evil: poverty is the fruit of all goodness.” – Unknown

A lot of writers and politicians use antithesis for their writing and speeches and there are plenty of examples of antithesis. These are some of the most famous antitheses. And you can find plenty more if you look into different books and listen to the speeches of politicians. All you need to do is focus on each word and you will come across a lot of them.

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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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