Anaphora
Definition
The deliberate repetition of the first part of a sentence in order to achieve an artistic effect
Example from Canterbury Tales
“O cursed sin! O blackguardly excess!
O treacherous homicide! O wickedness!
O gluttony that lusted on and diced!
O blasphemy that took the name of Christ”
(347-350) Function
In these lines from Canterbury Tales, the repetition of the word O is used to draw attention and give prominence to the terrible sins that eventually led to the death of Christ. Phrases with anaphora tend to be short and pointed for dramatic emphasis. In general, anaphora is used both to emphasize ideas and add rhythm to literature, which makes the text more enjoyable to read and easier to remember. In writing it provides an artistic effect; in speech it can be used as a persuasive tactic or emotional appeal.
Another example
“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.”
-Great Expectations, Charles Dickens
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