What Is Juxtaposition?
Introduction
Juxtaposition is a literary and rhetorical device used to compare two different things in order to emphasize the contrast between them. It involves placing two ideas, characters, objects, or places side by side to highlight their differences or similarities. Juxtaposition can be used for many purposes including creating tension and suspense, highlighting a character’s flaws or strengths, making a comparison between two opposing ideas or concepts, and stimulating thought in the reader. In this tutorial we will explore what juxtaposition is and how it can be used effectively in writing.
What Is Juxtaposition?
Juxtaposition is when you place two seemingly unrelated elements next to each other for effect. This technique allows writers to create an interesting contrast that readers may not have otherwise noticed on their own. The purpose of juxtaposing these elements could be to heighten drama, draw attention to one element over another, emphasize certain traits of both entities being compared or even just provide comic relief from the story’s main action. By using this method of comparison authors are able create powerful images that stick with readers long after they’ve finished reading the work.
Examples of Juxtaposition
One classic example of juxtaposition comes from William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet: “My only love sprung from my only hate!/Too early seen unknown, and known too late!” In this line Romeo speaks about his love for Juliet who he despises because she belongs to his family’s enemy clan – the Capulets – which makes her both beloved (the “love”) but also hated (the “hate). Through this example Shakespeare uses juxtaposed words such as “love” & “hate” together with contrasting verb tenses (“seen,” “known”)to illustrate how quickly life can change; one minute someone can be loved then suddenly despised without warning. Another well-known example comes from Charles Dickens’ A Tale Of Two Cities where he writes: “It was the best of times; it was the worst of times…”. Here Dickens creates an image that demonstrates starkly contrasting scenarios occurring simultaneously within society at large – good fortune alongside tragedy – leading up towards revolution as depicted later in novel .
How To Use Juxtapositions Effectively
When using juxtapositions its important not go overboard by trying make every sentence more dramatic than it needs to be as doing so will likely detract rather than add value your work instead focus on finding moments moment when contrast would truly benefit text . For instance if talking about a character whose behaviour changes drastically throughout story consider comparing him at beginning end way show audience just much has changed since then . Additionally try varying types language use like metaphor simile allusion etc which help bring out desired effect even further . Finally keep mind even simple word choices like strong vs weak verbs adjectives nouns etc all contribute overall impact created through use juxtapose so pick carefully ensure most effective possible result achieved given context situation being portrayed .
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there no rules regarding how employ technique correctly understanding basics principles behind why works great first step becoming successful writer who knows take advantage tools available them craft compelling narrative experience readers won soon forget . With little practice anyone should able incorporate into their works ease allowing stories come alive vivid descriptions comparisons viewers never expected see before now couldn’t wait read until finish book series future projects might hold !
