What Is Anaphora?
Definition of "Anaphora"
Anaphora is a writing technique that involves repeating terms at the start of neighboring clauses or sentences.Table of Contents
- Examples of Anaphora
- Other Types of Repetition
- More Examples of Anaphora
- Examples of Anaphora in Songs
- Why Anaphora Is Important
- Test Time!
Examples of Anaphora
Anaphora is deliberately repeating terms at the start of clauses or sentences. One often-cited example is Winston Churchill's speech:- "We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender." (Sir Winston Churchill)
- "The future's bright. The future's Orange." (Telecommunication company Orange's slogan)
Other Types of Repetition
There are three main types of repetition:- Anaphora (repetition at the start of neighboring clauses)
- Epiphora (repetition at the end of neighboring clauses)
- Commoratio (repetition of the same idea in neighboring clauses)
More Examples of Anaphora
This is an example from "Richard II" by William Shakespeare:- "This royal throne of kings, this scepter'd isle,
This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars,
This other Eden, demi-paradise,
This fortress built by Nature for herself
Against infection and the hand of war..." (Playwright William Shakespeare)
- "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." (Charles Dickens)
Examples of Anaphora in Songs
Here is an example of anaphora in a song ("Every Breath You Take" by The Police):- "Every breath you take
Every move you make
Every bond you break
Every step you take
I'll be watching you (The Police)"
- "It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me
And I'm feeling good" (sung by Nina Simone)
- "I got rhythm, I got music
I got my man
Who could ask for anything more?
I got daisies in green pastures
I got my man
Who could ask for anything more?" (The Gershwins)
(Published in 1930, "I've Got Rhythm" was composed by George Gershwin with lyrics by Ira Gershwin.)
Why Anaphora Is Important
As repetition creates pattern and rhythm, it is widely used in verse (poetry and song). In business writing, its use is less common, but repeating words or ideas in a business document can be useful. Used sparingly, deliberate repetition can:- Be used for emphasis.
- Be memorable.
- Make an impact.
- Make you look confident.
- It's the cheapest solution. It's within the company's control, and it's quick to implement.
(1) Over-cooking
When you make your point so strongly your readers grow suspicious and start questioning it. The following quotation captures this idea.- "The lady doth protest too much, methinks."(an extract from "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare)
(2) Redundancy
When you waste your readers' time by telling them what you've just told them and this overrides the "spice" you'd sought with the repetition.Key Points
- Used sparingly, repetition is memorable. Used sparingly, it's impactful. Used like chilli Rocket Fuel Sauce rather than salt, it can be indelibly thought-provoking.
- Yeah, it can also be annoying.
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Test Time!
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