Anaphora Figure of Speech

What is an Anaphora?

The English language has quite a lot of figures of speech. One such figure of speech is Anaphora. In simple words,

“Anaphora is the repetition of a word or sequence of words at the beginning of a clause, phrase, or related clause.” 

It is a rhetorical device that most poets use.

You may ask, what is meant by a Rhetorical device? So, let’s get to it then,

“A Rhetorical device is a technique that an author or speaker uses to convey meaning to persuade a listener or reader to consider a topic from a particular point of view. ” Obviously, in order to convey a deep message or an essential piece of information, it is crucial to make it more effective. That’s why a rhetorical device is used and Anaphora is one of them.

When used correctly, Anaphora can also have a lyrical and artistic effect. Readers often remember passages with an anaphora, like a choir. Not only does it improve the reader’s vocabulary and enjoyment, but it also improves the author’s communication skills and ability to expand the meaning of the paper.

Why is it always Anaphora?

Writers deliberately use Anaphora as a literary device, knowing that it can achieve many effects:

To give Importance: Anaphora draws attention to repeated words and the people around them. This makes Anaphora a popular tool for speech, where the audience may have a limited attention span and be reluctant to repeat longed-for words.

To create a rhythm: Wise repetition can make the text more musical and flexible, making it more enjoyable to read or listen to.

To connect, compare, or contrast the ideas: Sometimes, successively repeated ideas are completely different. In these cases, the Anaphora invites the audience to a deeper understanding of the difference.

Anaphora Examples in a Phrase :

• Stay Safe, Stay Home
• So Funny, So Informative

Anaphora Examples in Literature:

• The Waste Land by T. S. Eliot

T.S. Eliot’s use of and adding flow to his poem “The Waste Land.” can be seen as an Anaphora example from Literature.

“A woman drew her long black hair out tight 

And fiddled whisper music on those strings 

And bats with baby faces in the violet light 

Whistled and beat their wings

And crawled head downward down a blackened wall 

And upside down in the air were towers 

Tolling reminiscent bells that kept the hours 

 And voices singing out of empty cisterns and exhausted wells.”

• The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger 

J.D. Salinger adding emphasis to the rain by repeating the word ‘It rained’ in ‘The Catcher in the Rye’ through the following line can be considered as an example of Anaphora usage:

“It rained on his lousy tombstone, and it rained on the grass on his stomach. It rained all over the place.”

Anaphora Examples in Speech:

Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address

Abraham Lincoln, by repeating the word ‘with’ in his Second Inaugural Address to the nation, used this example of Anaphora.

“With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right ….”

Now that you learned about Anaphora, here is a thing you have to keep in mind:

If not used correctly, Anaphora can turn a reader off. It may seem too forced, unpleasant, or impulsive. Anaphoric writing is a delicate balance between intentional literary devices and natural speech. As a result, writers must carefully consider when and how to use Anaphora so as not to surprise or offend the reader.

Figures of speech such as Anaphora might seem daunting if you are beginner. However, with constant practice and right guidance, you can perfect the writing and speaking skills. GetSkilld aims at making you professionally competent and guides you in mastering business communication, public speaking, speaking with prompts, and so on. However, the art begins from the grit and practice.

Also Check

Types of Figure of Speech in English