Table of Contents
Introduction
Anaphora is a rhetorical figure of speech in which a word or phrase is repeated at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences for emphasis or stylistic effect. In this article, we will explore this stylistic device defining it and illustrating it with examples from literature.
Let’s start with understanding what anaphora is!
What is Anaphora?
Anaphora is a rhetorical device in which a word or phrase is deliberately repeated at the beginning of successive clauses, sentences, or phrases. This repetition serves to create emphasis, highlight key ideas, and evoke a rhythmic flow in the text.
This figure of speech is commonly used in literature, poetry, speeches, and everyday language to enhance the impact of a message.
Let’s take a notable example to illustrate this literary device. In Winston Churchill’s address to the House of Commons on June 4th, 1940, he says:
“We will engage in battle on the soil of France, we will confront challenges on the seas and oceans, and we will assert our presence with increasing confidence and strength in the air…”
The use of anaphora here is exemplified by the repetition of the phrase “we shall fight.” Specifically, Churchill uses anaphora by consistently beginning successive clauses with this reiterated expression.
This intentional repetition serves to emphasize the unwavering determination and resolve to confront adversities across different arenas such as France, the seas, oceans, and the air. The rhythmic recurrence of “We shall fight” through anaphora not only amplifies the urgency of the message but also contributes to the speech’s memorable and persuasive quality.
Note: Anaphora Distinction
A distinction must be made between anaphora as a linguistic device and anaphora as a figure of speech!
- In linguistic studies, the term “anaphora”, as opposed to cataphora, describes a specific relationship between words or phrases within a sentence. Linguistic anaphora involves the reference to something previously mentioned (anaphora) or something that will be mentioned later (cataphora).
- Example of Anaphora: Mary always said she loved her dog. She cherished her dog’s companionship, and she never hesitated to express her gratitude for her loyal friend.” – In this example, “she” is an anaphoric reference, pointing back to “Mary” in the preceding clause
- However, in literature and rhetoric, “anaphora” is a figure of speech. This literary device goes beyond mere word relationships; it’s a deliberate repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences for artistic or rhetorical effect.
This rhetorical device is contrasted with epiphora, also called epistrophe, which consists of repeating words at the end of clauses.
Anaphora Vs. Epiphora or Epistrophe
While anaphora and epiphora are similar in their utilization of repetition for rhetorical impact, they operate differently in terms of their placement within sentences or clauses.
Anaphora emphasizes repetition at the beginning, contributing to a rhythmic and persuasive cadence, whereas epiphora (or epistrophe) entails the repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses or sentences.
Epiphora serves similar purposes as anaphora but achieves its impact through a different structural approach.
An example of epiphora can be found in Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, where the phrase “government of the people, by the people, for the people” is repeated at the end of consecutive statements.
| Aspect | Anaphora | Epiphora (Epistrophe) |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Repetition at the beginning of clauses/sentences | Repetition at the end of clauses/sentences |
| Operational Focus | Beginning of successive elements | End of successive elements |
| Effect | Creates rhythmic and persuasive cadence | Contributes to a powerful and conclusive impact |
| Structural Approach | Repetition at the start | Repetition at the end |
| Example | “We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets…” (Winston Churchill) | “government of the people, by the people, for the people” (Abraham Linc |
Anaphora vs. Repetition
While anaphora is a specific type of repetition, it differs in its application and effect:
- Anaphora: Involves the repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences.
- General Repetition: Can occur anywhere within a sentence or phrase and does not follow a specific pattern.
Example of General Repetition:
- “The cat sat on the mat, and the mat was by the door.”
Example of Anaphora:
- “We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds…”
Why Do Writers Use Anaphora?
Writers use anaphora for several important reasons:
- Emphasis and Repetition: Anaphora involves the deliberate repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. This repetition serves to emphasize specific ideas, themes, or emotions, making them more memorable and impactful for the reader or listener. It adds weight and intensity to the writer’s message.
- Rhythmic Flow and Cadence: Anaphora contributes to the rhythmic flow and cadence of a piece of writing. The repetition creates a pattern that can enhance the musicality of language, making the text more engaging and enjoyable. The rhythmic quality of anaphora can hold the reader’s attention and create a sense of cohesion throughout the composition.
- Stylistic Flourish and Persuasion: The intentional use of anaphora can add a stylistic flourish to writing, making it more aesthetically pleasing and memorable. In persuasive writing, such as speeches or essays, anaphora can be a powerful tool to drive home key points and sway the audience’s opinions or emotions. The repetition reinforces the writer’s stance and helps to create a persuasive and compelling argument.
Examples in Everyday Speech
Examples from politicians and
- “Laugh loud, laugh often, laugh freely.”
- “Speak the truth, speak your mind, speak with conviction.”
- “Love deeply, love unconditionally, love without boundaries.”
- “Stay curious, stay hungry, stay humble.”
- “Face challenges head-on, face fears bravely, face life with optimism.”
- “Live passionately, live purposefully, live in the moment.”
- “Explore new horizons, explore different cultures, explore your own potential.”
- “Learn from mistakes, learn continuously, learn from every experience.”
- “Create joy, create memories, create a legacy.”
- “Act with integrity, act with kindness, act with purpose.”
- “Travel far, travel wide, travel with an open heart.”
- “Challenge yourself daily, challenge societal norms, challenge the status quo.”
- “Listen actively, listen empathetically, listen to understand.”
- “Adapt to change, adapt to challenges, adapt to new opportunities.”
- “We must strive for success. We must overcome obstacles. We must never give up.”
- “We will build a stronger economy. We will invest in education. We will create more job opportunities for our citizens.”
- “I appreciate your kindness. I appreciate your support. I appreciate the time you’ve dedicated to helping me.”
- “You can achieve your goals. You can overcome challenges. You can make a difference in your life.”
Examples of Anaphora from Literature
Some examples of the literary works that use anaphora are listed below:
In Poetry
Thomas Kyd’s “The Spanish Tragedy”:
“In time the savage bull sustains the yoke,
In time all haggard hawks will stoop to lure,
In time small wedges cleave the hardest oak,
In time the flint is pierced with softest shower.”
In these lines, the phrase “In time” is repeated, creating a rhythmic pattern and emphasizing the inevitability or gradual transformation of various situations. This deliberate repetition is characteristic of anaphora as a rhetorical device.
William Blake’s “The Tyger”:
“What the hammer? what the chain?
From “The Tyger ” by William Blake
In what furnace was thy brain?
What the anvil? what dread grasp
Dare its deadly terrors clasp?”
The passage exhibits anaphora through the repetition of the question “What” at the beginning of each line. This repetition emphasizes the speaker’s inquiry into the mystical and awe-inspiring aspects of the tiger’s creation.
Byron’s “Marino Faliero”
Byron, in “Marino Faliero” uses the same figure of speech to emphasize meaning.
Strike as I struck the foe! Strike as I would
Have struck those tyrants! Strike deep as my curse!
Strike!—and but onceFrom Marino Faliero by Byron
Byron’s use of rhetorical device, with the repeated word “Strike,” intensifies the emotional and forceful nature of the speaker’s plea. The repetition serves to emphasize the urgency and passion behind the speaker’s desire for action. The relentless repetition of “Strike” creates a rhythmic cadence, enhancing the sense of urgency and determination.
In Shakespeare
William Shakespeare’s “King John”:
“Mad world! mad kings! mad composition!
From “King John”, King John, II, by William Shakespeare
John, to stop Arthur’s title in the whole,
Hath willingly departed with a part,
And France, whose armour conscience buckled on…”
The repetition of the word “mad” at the beginning of each phrase, as in “Mad world! Mad kings! Mad composition!” serves as an example of anaphora. This deliberate repetition adds emphasis to the speaker’s condemnation, creating a rhythmic and impactful expression of the perceived madness in the world, the actions of kings, and the overall political composition.
In Speeches
Winston Churchill’s address to the House of Commons on June 4th, 1940:
“We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets…”
Churchill uses anaphora by repeating the phrase “we shall fight” at the beginning of successive clauses. This intentional repetition emphasizes the unwavering determination and resolve to confront adversities across different arenas.
In Novels
Charles Dickens’s “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…”
From “A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens
Dickens masterfully employs this stylistic device by repeating the structure “It was the…” at the beginning of each clause. The use of repetition in this passage creates a rhythmic and parallel structure that emphasizes the stark contrasts presented by Dickens. The repetition contributes to a sense of balance and symmetry, highlighting the thematic tension between light and darkness, wisdom and foolishness, hope and despair.
Conclusion
In summary, anaphora as a figure of speech refers to the deliberate repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. It is used to enhance emphasis, rhythm, and the overall impact of a message in literature, speeches, and other forms of communication. When using this rhetorical device, remember to consider its strategic application for reinforcing key ideas, creating a compelling cadence, and leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
Related Pages: