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Antithesis - GCSE English Language Definition

Reviewed by: Deb Orrock

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What is antithesis?

In GCSE English Literature and GCSE English Language, antithesis is a literary device that positions people, things or ideas as direct opposites, such as “good and evil” or “heroes and villains”.

Why do writers use antithesis?

Sentences become more memorable by using antithesis because it can highlight the stark difference between opposing ideas. So if you are writing an argument, the use of antithesis can make it obvious which idea you think is better.

Examples of antithesis

Antithesis is often used in figures of speech, such as in Neil Armstrong’s famous words when he first stepped foot on the moon in 1969:

“That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.”

Charles Dickens uses antithesis in the opening lines of A Tale of Two Cities to highlight the sense of confusion and division in the setting of his tale:

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times …”

Revision resources to ace your exams

Learn how to analyse antithesis in literary texts and how to use them in your own English Language writing with our GCSE revision notes.

GCSE English Literature Revision Notes 

GCSE English Language Revision Notes

For more literary techniques, check out our list of 127 top literary devices, complete with student-friendly definitions.

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Deb Orrock

Reviewer: Deb Orrock

Expertise: English Content Creator

Deb is a graduate of Lancaster University and The University of Wolverhampton. After some time travelling and a successful career in the travel industry, she re-trained in education, specialising in literacy. She has over 16 years’ experience of working in education, teaching English Literature, English Language, Functional Skills English, ESOL and on Access to HE courses. She has also held curriculum and quality manager roles, and worked with organisations on embedding literacy and numeracy into vocational curriculums. She most recently managed a post-16 English curriculum as well as writing educational content and resources.

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