What is Juxtaposition?

Juxtaposition refers to the act of placing two things side by side for the purpose of comparison. In creative writing, it's a powerful technique used to create contrast, add depth to characters and scenes, and make mundane everyday things seem more interesting.

Juxtaposition can be used to bring together two contrasting images, themes, or ideas that don't typically go together to create something new and exciting. By placing the two elements next to each other, the writer can highlight their differences or similarities, evoke certain emotions, and create a striking effect on the reader.

For example, in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, the contrast between the ostentatious and luxurious parties Gatsby throws for the wealthy elite of the 1920s and his impoverished upbringing serves not only to highlight the stark contrast between the characters' lives but also the moral and social decay of the era. The contrast also serves to emphasize the longing, yearning, and almost desperate ambition of Gatsby to escape his humble beginnings.

Overall, juxtaposition is a powerful tool used by writers to create memorable stories and characters, all while improving the quality of their writing by adding depth, contrast, and comparison.