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An Antithesis (from the Greek anti, against,
and tithenai, to set) is founded on contrast; it consists in putting two
unlike things in such a position that each will appear more striking by the
contrast.
"Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring out the false, ring in the true."
"Let us be friends in peace, but enemies in
war."
Here is a fine antithesis in the description of a steam
engine—"It can engrave a seal and crush masses of obdurate metal before
it; draw out, without breaking, a thread as fine as a gossamer; and lift up a
ship of war like a bauble in the air; it can embroider muslin and forge
anchors; cut steel into ribands, and impel loaded vessels against the fury of
winds and waves." |
