Definition and Examples of Anaphora

Explore anaphora’s use in literature and poetry, unlocking the secret to its emotional power and timeless allure through the “epochs”.

The art of writing is not just about stringing words together; it’s about crafting a tapestry of ideas that captivates the mind and resonates with the heart. We will delve into the anaphora definition, explore its purpose, and highlight its significance through examples in literature and poetry, offering a comprehensive understanding of this literary and rhetorical device.

What is it?

Anaphora is the deliberate repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. It’s a literary device that writers employ to emphasize certain words, thereby strengthening the emotional pull of their message. This technique is not merely about aesthetics; it's a rhetorical device designed to engage the emotions of the audience, especially in persuasive works. Whether it’s to invoke passion, instill a sense of urgency, or to reinforce a point, anaphora's repetitive pattern creates a rhythm that resonates with readers and listeners alike.

Examples in Literature

1.- "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.

The repeated use of "it was" at the beginning of each clause sets up a series of contrasting statements that highlight the dichotomies existing during the tumultuous times of the French Revolution. This literary device assist Dickens in capturing the complex and contradictory nature of that era.

2.- "Fight Club" by Chuck Palahniuk

You are not your job, you're not how much money you have in the bank. You are not the car you drive. You are not the contents of your wallet.

Palahniuk uses anaphora through the repeated use of the phrase "You are not" at the beginning of successive sentences. This repetition is a direct challenge to the reader, forcing them to question their own identity and what truly defines them, echoing the novel’s themes of consumerism and self-identity.

Anaphora Examples in Poetry

1.- "Howl" by Allen Ginsberg

... who passed through universities with radiant cool eyes hallucinating Arkansas and Blake-light tragedy among the scholars of war, / who were expelled from the academies for crazy & publishing obscene odes on the windows of the skull, / who cowered in unshaven rooms in underwear, burning their money in wastebaskets and listening to the Terror through the wall…

Ginsberg uses "who" to begin numerous lines in the first part of his poem, creating a catalog of the experiences of his generation, particularly the "best minds" of his time. This anaphora serves to accumulate the emotional weight of the experiences he describes and expresses a sense of both solidarity and desperation.

2.- "Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night" by Dylan Thomas

Do not go gentle into that good night, / Old age should burn and rave at close of day; / Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

The repetition of the imperative "rage" at the beginning of the last two lines of the stanza emphasizes the poem's call to resist the end of life. The repeated phrases underscore the urgency and intensity of the speaker's plea to his father.

Anaphora Examples in Songs

1.- "One" by U2 (Bono and U2)

One love, one blood / One life, you got to do what you should / One life with each other: Sisters, brothers.

The repeated use of the word "One" at the beginning of each phrase serves to emphasize unity and interconnectedness, which is a central theme of the song. By repeating "one" Bono underscores the idea that despite differences, people are united by a shared humanity.

2.- "Beautiful Day" by U2 (Bono and U2)

See the canyons broken by cloud / See the tuna fleets clearing the sea out / See the Bedouin fires at night / See the oil fields at first light.

The repetition of "See" at the beginning of each line invites listeners to visualize and "see" the beauty in the world around them. It sets an optimistic tone, encouraging the appreciation of different scenes from nature and human life, highlighting the beauty in diversity and change.

Anaphora in Speeches

1.- "I Have a Dream" speech by Martin Luther King Jr.

"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.' I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood. I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.”

King uses the phrase "I have a dream" at the beginning of successive sentences to emphasize his vision of racial equality and justice. This repetition is powerful and helps to create a lyrical rhythm that reinforces his message of hope and determination.

Anaphora is more than a figure of speech; it is a mirror reflecting the writer's purpose and the depth of their conviction. As we’ve seen through various examples, this literary device transcends the page and the stage, resonating deeply with the human experience. Join our writing courses if you'd like to master it.

And since you are already here, you might want to learn even more:

- Example of literary devices. Another article by Domestika.
- Hyperbole examples. A great article by Michelle Ahern
- How to write Haiku poems And yet another one by us to check out!