Friday, March 3, 2023

Nine Rhetorical Devices - (6) Epanalepsis


Epanalepsis (from the Greek ἐπανάληψις, epanálēpsis "repetition, resumption, taking up again") is the repetition of the initial part of a clause or sentence at the end of that same clause or sentence. The beginning and the end of a sentence are two positions of emphasis, so special attention is placed on the phrase by repeating it in both places. Nested double-epanalepses are antimetaboles.

Example:

The king is dead!  Long Live the king!

Further examples:  

Blow winds and crack your cheeks! Rage, blow!
  - Shakespeare, King Lear, 3.2.1

Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more;
  - Shakespeare, Henry V, 3.1.1

These things I have spoken unto you that in me you might have peace. In the world, ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer -- I have overcome the world."
  - John 16:33 (KJV)

No comments:

Post a Comment