Table of Contents
Introduction
Epiphora, also known as epistrophe, transcends mere linguistic structure; it is a powerful rhetorical device that breathes life into words, leaving an indelible mark on the minds of those who encounter it.
This article delves into the essence of epiphora, exploring its definition and shedding light on its impactful presence in literature. As we explore this rhetorical device, we will illustrate the concept with examples that reflect its ability to evoke emotion, emphasize ideas, and etch memorable patterns into the fabric of language.
Let’s with defining epiphora!
What is Epiphora?
Epiphora (also called epistrophe) is a rhetorical device that consists of repeating a sequence of words at the end of neighboring clauses to give them emphasis. This stylistic device is contrasted with anaphora which consists of repeating words at the beginning of clauses.
A notable example of epiphora is John F. Kennedy’s speech below:
The United States, as the world knows, will never start a war. We do not want a war. We do not now expect a war.
From “The Strategy for Peace“, June 1963 by John F. Kennedy
Another example is by Abraham Lincoln in the Gettysburg Address:
… this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
From “The Gettysburg Address” by Abraham Lincoln
Epiphora Vs Anaphora
Epiphora and anaphora are both rhetorical devices that involve repetition, but they differ in their repetition patterns:
- Epiphora involves the repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses or sentences, emphasizing and reinforcing key ideas. An example could be, “See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil,” where the word “evil” is repeated at the end of successive clauses!
- On the other hand, anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. For instance, “Laugh loud, laugh often, laugh freely.” Notice the repetition of the word “laugh”!
| Aspect | Epiphora | Anaphora |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses or sentences. | Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. |
| Emphasis | Emphasizes and reinforces key ideas, creating a rhythmic and memorable effect. | Emphasizes and highlights specific words or ideas at the beginning of sentences for impact. |
| Example | “See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.” | “Laugh loud, laugh often, laugh freely.” |
| Position of Repetition | End of successive clauses or sentences. | Beginning of successive clauses or sentences. |
Why Do Writers Use Epiphora?
Writers use epiphora for a variety of reasons:
1. Emphasis and Reinforcement:
Writers use epiphora to underscore and reinforce specific ideas or emotions within their writing. By strategically repeating a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses, the writer emphasizes key concepts, ensuring that they resonate with the reader. This repetition serves as a rhetorical exclamation point, guiding the audience to pay heightened attention to the central themes or sentiments being communicated.
2. Rhythmic Cadence and Memorability:
Epiphora contributes to creating a rhythmic cadence in writing, lending it a musical quality that engages the reader’s ear. The repetitive pattern establishes a memorable and harmonious flow, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the text. This rhythmic quality not only captures attention but also aids in the retention of information, making the message more likely to linger in the reader’s mind long after they have moved on.
3. Emotional Impact and Persuasion:
In the realm of persuasion, epiphora serves as a persuasive tool by intensifying the emotional impact of a writer’s message. The deliberate repetition creates a sense of urgency or passion, compelling the reader to connect with the writer’s viewpoint on a deeper level. This emotional resonance enhances the persuasive power of the text, making it more likely to elicit the desired response from the audience, whether it be a change in perspective, an emotional reaction, or a call to action.
Examples of Epiphora From Literature
One of the famous examples of epiphora in literary works is in “The Merchant of Venice“.
Bassanio
From “The Merchant of Venice” by William Shakespeare
Sweet Portia!
If you did know to whom I gave the ring,
If you did know for whom I gave the ring,
And would conceive for what I gave the ring,
And how unwillingly I left the ring,
When naught would be accepted but the ring,
You would abate the strength of your displeasure.
Portia
If you had known the virtue of the ring,
Or half her worthiness that gave the ring,
Or your own honor to contain the ring,
You would not then have parted with the ring.
What man is there so much unreasonable,
If you had pleased to have defended it
With any terms of zeal, wanted the modesty
To urge the thing held as a ceremony?
Nerissa teaches me what to believe:
I’ll die for ‘t but some woman had the ring!
In this excerpt from Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice,” the repetition of the phrase “the ring” at the end of several successive clauses emphasizes the significance of the ring in the characters’ dialogue.
William Shakespeare uses epiphora In “Romeo and Juliet” in the following lines:
“Fie, fie, thou shamest thy shape, thy love, thy wit,
“Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare
Which, like a userer, abound’st in all,
And uses none in that true sense indeed
Which should bedeck thy shape, thy love, thy wit.”
The repetition of the words “thy shape, thy love, thy wit” at the end of each clause emphasizes the speaker’s attitude.
Here is another example by W. Somerset Maugham, quoted by Laurence Brander in the book “Somerset Maugham: A Guide,” published by Oliver & Boyd in 1963.
“[T]here is only one thing about which I am certain, and this is that there is very little about which one can be certain” is attributed to American author and philosopher
By W. Somerset Maugham, Cited by Laurence Brander in the book “Somerset Maugham: A Guide.”
The word “certain” is repeated at the end of the first clause (“one thing about which I am certain”) and the second clause (“very little about which one can be certain”). This deliberate repetition of the same word at the end of successive clauses is an example of epiphora.
Conclusion
In summary, epiphora is a strong rhetorical device characterized by the deliberate repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses or sentences. It is used to enhance emphasis, rhythm, and memorability within a piece of writing or speech. When you employ epiphora, you add a compelling layer to your expression, underscoring key concepts, engaging your audience with a rhythmic cadence, and leaving a lasting impact that resonates in the minds of your readers or listeners.
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