Antistrophe: The Art of Repetition
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Antistrophe, derived from the Greek word meaning "turning back," is a rhetorical device that involves the repetition of the same words or phrases at the end of consecutive phrases, clauses, sentences, or paragraphs. This repetition creates a powerful rhythmic effect, drawing attention to the repeated words and emphasizing the message being conveyed. It is similar to epistrophe but distinct from anaphora, which repeats words at the beginning of clauses or sentences. Examples of Antistrophe in Literature “A day may come when the courage of men fails, when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship. But it is not this day. An hour of wolves and shattered shields, when the age of men comes crashing down! But it is not this day! This day we fight!” ( The Return of the King , by J. R. R. Tolkien) In this powerful passage from Tolkien's work, the phrase "But it is not this day" is repeated at the end of successive sentences, creating a sense of determination a…