The repetition of words in Lincoln's address and Cobain's song are examples of a literary device called “epistrophe.” Derived from the ancient Greek word meaning “turning back upon,” epistrophe is the repetition of phrases or words in a set of clauses, sentences, or poetic lines.

What is an example of epistrophe?

Epistrophe is the repetition of words at the end of a clause or sentence. ... Brutus' speech in Julius Caesar includes examples of epistrophe: There is tears for his love, joy for his fortune, honor for his valor, and death for his ambition.

What is an example of a Epiphora in literature?

Epiphora is the repetition of a word or phrase at the end of sentences that are close together in the text. ... Epiphora is repetition at the end of phrases or clauses. Examples of Epiphora: I want pizza, he wants pizza, we all want pizza!

What is epistrophe used for?

The main purpose of epistrophe is to give emphasis to an idea. Repetition helps to make the ideas more memorable and the resulting rhythm can make the words more pleasant to read or listen to. Epistrophe also creates an emotional appeal so that audience feels more connected to the words.

What is the meaning of the word epistrophe?

: repetition of a word or expression at the end of successive phrases, clauses, sentences, or verses especially for rhetorical or poetic effect (such as Lincoln's "of the people, by the people, for the people") — compare anaphora.

"What is Epistrophe?": A Literary Guide for English Students and Teachers

22 related questions found

What is Epistrophe in rhetorical analysis?

Epistrophe is often defined as “the repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive sentences or clauses.” Yet I see your Obama example here, where the repeated element of the epistrophe is not actually a word or phrase at the end of a sentence/clause, but actually it's own sentence.

What does Isocolon mean in writing?

Isocolon is a rhetorical scheme in which parallel elements possess the same number of words or syllables. As in any form of parallelism, the pairs or series must enumerate like things to achieve symmetry.

Which of the following statements is the best definition of epistrophe?

Epistrophe is a stylistic device that can be defined as the repetition of phrases or words at the ends of the clauses or sentences. It is also called “epiphora.” Epistrophe examples are frequently found in literary pieces, in persuasive writing, and in speeches.

What is an example of Epizeuxis?

Epizeuxis is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is repeated in immediate succession, with no intervening words. In the play Hamlet, when Hamlet responds to a question about what he's reading by saying "Words, words, words," that's an example of epizeuxis.

How does epistrophe effect the reader?

The repetition at the heart of epistrophe creates emphasis and urgency, can put persuasive focus on particular ideas, and can create a rhythm that can capture the attention and sentiment of a crowd. In other words, it's great for speeches.

What is literary epiphora?

Epiphora—also known as epistrophe—is a rhetorical term for the repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses. Contrast with anaphora (rhetoric).

What epiphora means?

Epiphora — more commonly referred to as watery eyes — is when you have excessive tear production.

Why is epiphora used?

Through repetition, epiphora provides emphasis of key words and phrases. With repetition falling at the end of clauses or sentences, epiphora draws words and ideas together to create a focal point of sound and meaning.

What is the meaning Antanaclasis?

: the repetition of a word within a phrase or sentence in which the second occurrence utilizes a different and sometimes contrary meaning from the first … believes the “Word” …

What is a Polyptoton in literature?

Polyptoton /ˌpɒlɪpˈtoʊtɒn/ is the stylistic scheme in which words derived from the same root are repeated (such as "strong" and "strength"). A related stylistic device is antanaclasis, in which the same word is repeated, but each time with a different sense. Another related term is figura etymologica.

How do you write an epistrophe?

In order to use epistrophe, Think of what you want to emphasize. Repeat that phrase at the end of successive sentences.

What is Epizeuxis in literature?

Epizeuxis, in literature, a form of repetition in which a word is repeated immediately for emphasis, as in the first and last lines of “Hark, Hark!

What does Epimone mean in literature?

Epimone (pronounced eh-PIM-o-nee) is a rhetorical term for the frequent repetition of a phrase or question; dwelling on a point. Also known as perseverantia, leitmotif, and refrain.

What is the purpose of Epizeuxis in poetry?

The definition of epizeuxis is the repetition of a word or phrase in quick succession. This rhetorical device, also known as “palilogia,” is designed to add increased emphasis or vehemence to the repeated word or phrase. Epizeuxis comes from the Greek word epizeugnumi, which means “fastening together.”

Is epistrophe a figurative language?

Epistrophe is a figure of speech that involves the repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses or sentences. Epistrophe is also known as epiphora or antistrophe. The word epistrophe comes from the Greek for “return.”

What is Isocolon and examples?

Definition of Isocolon

An isocolon is a sentence or series of sentences composed of two or more phrases of similar structure and length. The most famous isocolon is probably that triad of Latin words attributed to Julius Caesar: Veni, vidi, vici. I came, I saw, I conquered.

Why would a writer use Isocolon?

Writers use isocolons when they want to emphasize a particular statement or belief. Such is the case with the Richard II example above. By using the same structure to assert different but related, things, the speaker makes sure the reader is entirely clear on how they feel.

What is the difference between Isocolon and parallelism?

As nouns the difference between isocolon and parallelism

is that isocolon is (rhetoric) a figure of speech in which parallelism is reinforced by members that are of the same length while parallelism is the state or condition of being parallel; agreement in direction, tendency, or character.

What is Epistrophe and anaphora?

Anaphora: Beginning a series of clauses with the same word. Epistrophe: Ending a series of clauses with the same word.

What is a Symploce example?

For want of a shoe the horse was lost. For want of a horse the rider was lost. For want of a rider the battle was lost. For want of a battle the kingdom was lost.