Antithesis is a figure of speech comprised of opposing or contrasted words or sentiments. Writers arrange them in parallel construction in the same sentence. Antithesis is a figure of speech based on unlikeness, and therefore always expresses contrast. You should always contrast verbs with other verbs, adjectives with adjectives, nouns with nouns, and so on.

EX.— "One small step for a man, one giant leap for all mankind."
EX.— Money is the root of all evils: poverty is the fruit of all goodness.
EX.— It is better to lose health like a spendthrift than to waste it like a miser.
EX.— Deeds show what we are; words, what we should be.

Often there is a double or even triple contrast in the same sentence.

EX.— Silence is deep as Eternity; speech is shallow as Time.

Here silence and speech, deep and shallow, Eternity and Time are contrasted.

Climax is a figure, usually contained in a periodic sentence, in which each word, phrase, or clause is more forceful than the one immediately preceding it. It illustrates the principle of development to full maturity. It is very effective if not overused.

EX.— He sacrificed his business, his home, and his honor for political gain.

EX.— Since concord was lost, friendship was lost; fidelity was lost; liberty was lost—all was lost.

Anticlimax, the opposite of climax, is useful in humorous writing because it produces great surprise. It is considered an error in discourse unless purposely intended to produce a ridiculous effect.

EX.— He lost his wife, his child, his household goods, and his dog at one fell swoop.

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