What is Epistrophe?
Repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses or sentences.
Echoes at the End: An Exploration of Epistrophe
Epistrophe is a literary device that creates a musical harmony in written work.
It is characterized by the repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses or sentences. Similar to anaphora, which repeats a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences, epistrophe adds emphasis to the end of a thought or sentence. It's often used to create a poetic rhythm or to draw attention to an important idea.
The repetition of a chosen word or phrase creates an echo-like effect at the end of each sentence, giving the writing a sense of continuity and completeness. Writers can experiment with different words, varying the length, emphasis, and tone of the repeated phrase to create different effects.
Epistrophe is a valuable tool for any writer looking to create a strong sense of pace or a lyrical quality in their work. By using this device, you can give your readers a sense of satisfaction as they complete each line, while also drawing their attention to specific themes or ideas.
Explore two examples of how epistrophe has been utilized in literature in this section.
'Where the mountains meet the sky the road ends.' - In this passage, Hemingway uses epistrophe to emphasize the finality of endings and reinforce the sense of isolation that permeates the novel.
'I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."' - In this famous speech, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. uses epistrophe to drive home the central message of racial equality, repeating the phrase 'I have a dream' to create a strong emotional impact in his listeners.